James Gibbs designed the current church building, which was consecrated in 1726, although there have been records of a church on the site dating back to 1222. The church is made in Gibbs’ usual Italian Baroque style. The design was originally criticised as being garish and vulgar, but has since been used as the model for many churches around the world, particularly in America. St Martin’s also has a café within its crypt, which serves a variety of hot and cold food and drink and has won awards for its quality.
