St Paul’s Church

When Inigo Jones designed the rectangular enclosure of the Piazza in 1630 its centre was an open space designed to lead the eye to this building, which dominated its western side. Modelled on a Tuscan temple it inspired the whole architectural conception. The Earl of Bedford had requested a plain building “not much better than a barn” a preference owing to an austerity of taste than to shortage of cash. The architect replied, “Well then, you shall have the most handsomest barn in London.”

The sealed portico facing the Piazza looks as though it should be the entrance, and indeed that was the intention. However the door was never used because, ecclesiastically speaking, the nave faced the wrong way, so you have to enter through the gardens behind the church.

The Portico of St Paul’s Church

Under the portico is a plaque, which commemorates the first Punch and Judy show in England. It was here that Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary of 1662 that he had seen the Italian puppet show of Punchinello transmogrified into an Englishmen called Punch, his wife Judy and a dog, Toby.

Eliza Doolittle meets Professor Higgins at this spot in Shaw’s play 'Pygmalion', the original play that inspired the musical 'My Fair Lady'.

Jugglers and street entertainers performing on the cobblestone continue this theatrical tradition today. The Punch and Judy pub opposite provides an excellent view of these acts.