For Wells, this ability of St Martin’s to be both a parish church for those at the centre of power, but also a place for those at the periphery of society, is reflected in its location.
“We have this phrase ‘at the heart on the edge’, because we’re at the heart of London, but on the edge of Trafalgar Square.
“That’s part of the kind of mythology… there’s that endless contrast. But that’s kind of part of being London, I think.”
And as for what it’s like to be the local vicar for the Royal Family…
“I did once meet the former Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace and he said, ‘Who are you and why are you here?’ and I said, ‘I’m your vicar’,” says Wells.
“I don’t think he found that terribly funny, but I did.”
St Martin-in-the-Fields: 300 Years at the Heart and on the Edge is on show in the church’s crypt until 15 November and is free to visit
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