St Johns Episcopal Church

Edinburgh

St John’s is a flourishing city-centre church at the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road and a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Designed by William Burn, the church was built between 1816 and 1818 in the perpendicular revival style. One of its most distinctive architectural features is the fan-vaulted roof, inspired by the vaulting of the Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey. The church also features some of the most splendid 19th century stained glass in Scotland and is known for its many memorials, including a plaque for a member of the congregation who died at the Battle of Little Big Horn (Custer’s Last Stand), and the grave of Malvina Wells, the only known person buried in Edinburgh who had been born into slavery.

On the day you will be able to freely explore the church and its adjacent graveyard. Our church guardians will be on hand to answer any questions.

The church will feature several special displays, such as the vestments worn by our clergy team, the model of the Lalibela stone church given to St John’s by the state of Ethiopia, a coronation bible, and archival images and photographs.

Visitors will also be able to explore areas normally not open to the public, such as the church hall and dormitory garden, including the graves of Sir Walter Scott’s mother and Henry Raeburn.

A tour of the church, the hall, the dormitory garden, and parts of the cemetery will be offered at 11am and 2pm. They will start off at the church’s main entrance and will last about an hour.

Facilities

• Disabled WC
• Disabled Access
• WC
• Events For Children
• Parking
• Hearing Loop

Additional Access Information

Wheelchair accessible toilet: Available on the ground floor and in the basement. A lift is also available.

Parking: Nearest parking is on Rutland Street or Charlotte Square.