Church that survived WW2 damage celebrates 200 years

Members of The Wesley Camden team, including general manager James Barr, helped celebrate the church's 200-year milestone

A church that survived "extreme damage" during World War Two has celebrated its 200th anniversary.

The Camden Town Methodist Church in north London was built in the 18th Century by religious societies founded by John Wesley and his preachers on what was then King Street, which later became Plender Street in 1937.

It underwent a £9m renovation project three years ago, which retained the building's façade and saw the hotel The Wesley open on its upper floors in 2022.

“As the Methodist church celebrates this milestone birthday, The Wesley Camden is proud to be a part of the fantastic heritage and to share the building’s diverse history with the community," said James Barr, the hotel's general manager.

“Despite the church’s dramatic changes over the 200 years including surviving extreme damage caused in World War Two where large parts of the local area were destroyed, the fact that the chapel is still standing today is an incredible achievement, and we’re honoured to be a part of its modern day history and ongoing story.”

The milestone was celebrated on 14 September with crafts, refreshments, a memorabilia exhibition and history talk, as well as guest performances by gospel singer Lola Campbell Brown and North London NHS Choir.