St Paul's, Covent Garden

St Paul's, Covent Garden is a church in London, situated on the west side of the piazza of Covent Garden market. It dates from the 1630s.

The architect was Inigo Jones. It was commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bedford, who wanted it no fancier than a barn. Jones is said to have replied "Sire, you shall have the handsomest barn in England."

In May 1662, Pietro Gimonde staged the first recorded performance of Punch and Judy in England there, as recorded by Samuel Pepys.

The opening scene of Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is set in front of this church.

It is now known as the Actors' Church, and many British actors are commemorated there, including Gracie Fields and Boris Karloff.