Converted church of St. James the Great, Bethnal Green Road

Image: © Dr Neil Clifton Taken: 13 Feb 2008

This large church left no clue as to its previous owners or name, but both it and the adjoining vicarage have been converted into flats, a far superior alternative than demolition, as it is a splendid building. Apparently the former prime minister, Clement Attlee, who did much social work in this area as a younger man, was at one time associated with the church, which apparently was also known as 'The Red Church'. This is thought to refer to the colour of its brickwork rather than to the political affiliation of its congregation. On 19th April 1965 Reginald Kray married Frances Shea in St James the Great Church. It was the East End's wedding of the year. Many famous boxers of the time attended the ceremony and David Bailey was the photographer. Two years after the wedding the church was used for the bride's funeral when she had committed suicide. There were ten black limousines for the mourners and many wreaths, including one from Ronnie Kray (who was on the run from the police at the time) and three from Reggie Kray.

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