St Giles in the Fields

Origins and Early History

The origins of St Giles in the Fields trace back to the establishment of a leper hospital in 1101 by Queen Matilda. The site of the current church was initially the hospital chapel. St Giles, the patron saint of lepers, lent his name to the hospital, which served a leper colony. The location was strategically chosen for its surrounding fields and marshes, isolating the contagion from nearby London. Over time, a village developed around the hospital and chapel, providing services to the brethren and patients.

The Parish of St Giles

Following the dissolution of the monasteries during the Reformation, the chapel was repurposed as the parish church of St Giles in the Fields. The parish was notorious for its poverty, overcrowding, and high mortality rates, experiencing frequent disease outbreaks, including cholera in the 19th century. The area north of St Giles High Street, known as the "St Giles Rookery," was infamous for its slums, described vividly by writers such as Charles Dickens for its drunkenness and licentiousness.

Redevelopment and Change

In the 19th century, efforts to clear the slums began with the construction of New Oxford Street, which, paradoxically, exacerbated overcrowding in the remaining areas. The 20th century brought substantial bomb damage during the Blitz, followed by significant redevelopment that radically transformed the area. Although this led to the loss of many small shops and houses, St Giles shifted towards becoming more of a business and leisure destination, with Denmark Street rising as a hub of the British music industry in the 1960s.

Contemporary Significance

Today, St Giles in the Fields has evolved from its origins as a leper hospital into a key part of central London with a vibrant history. It is now the venue for DSR's New and Emerging Acoustic Night, "Denmark Street Radio Presents," where we broadcast from monthly. This event celebrates the breakthrough bands and songwriters from across the UK, continuing the area’s tradition of musical innovation and cultural significance.