The Bishop of London recently visited the Dutch Church, Austin Friars as part of the celebrations marking the 466th anniversary the church’s founding. There he preached the Sunday sermon and unveiled a wall inscription commemorating the Dutch Church’s first Superintendent, John a Lasco, who served in the role from 1550-1560.

The Dutch Church, Austin Friars was established in 1550 on the site of an Augustinian Priory which was closed during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Under his son, King Edward VI, the chapel was given to London’s community of protestant refugees from Europe, and in particular from the Low Countries. The original church was destroyed in 1940 during the London Blitz, but completely rebuilt by 1954, with Princess Irene of the Netherlands laying the foundation stone.

Revd Joost Roselaers, Minister of the Church, said “We were honoured to be able to welcome the Bishop of London to take part in our anniversary celebrations. Since its founding in the 16th century, the Dutch Church, Austin Friars has played an important role amongst the Dutch community living in London, and we hope to continue and develop this role over the coming years.”