Brief Description
The former churchyard adjacent to the church has grass and trees, surrounded by cobblestones, and perimeter planting; remaining tombstones are stacked by the church.
History
St Alfege Church is on the site of martyrdom of Alfege, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was kidnapped and later murdered by the Danes in 1012. The first church was built soon after his death. Due to the proximity of the royal palace at Greenwich the church has many royal associations and was where Henry VIII was baptised. Greenwich later lost its prominence; following storm damage in 1710 the church was rebuilt under the Fifty New Churches Act of 1711. Among those buried here are Thomas Tallis (1585) and General James Wolfe, who died in action in Quebec in 1759 and was brought back for burial in the family vault.
Visitor Facilities
Opening is unrestricted; Church open Sat 11.30am-4pm; Sun 12-4pm; at other times by appointment (Church Office 020 8853 0687)- Access & Directions
Access Contact Details
Opening is unrestricted; Church open Sat 11.30am-4pm; Sun 12-4pm; at other times by appointment (Church Office 020 8853 0687)Directions
Rail: Greenwich. DLR: Greenwich, Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. Bus: 129, 177, 180, 188, 199, 286, 386.
- Associated People
- Contact
- References
Contributors
London Parks and Gardens Trust