Just as Christ Church is the masterpiece of its architect, Nicholas Hawksmoor, so the organ installed in the new church in 1735 was the masterpiece of the greatest organ builder in Georgian England, Richard Bridge.

"The majority of his organs are of the first class; yet the one under consideration has been esteemed his best; though from its locality its fame has not been sufficiently known to be appreciated. ... Six hundred pound, - not half its value, - was the original cost."

The Christian Remembrancer, 1835

Only four large organs could be found in English churches in the eighteenth century. Those at St. Paul's Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral and St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol have long since disappeared. The organ at Christ Church is the only one that remains, and almost the only instrument that bears witness to the vibrant and rich musical life of Georgian London.

Large organs were rare in Georgian England.  Those at St Paul’s Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol have long since disappeared.  The organ at Christ Church is a unique survival, bearing witness to the vibrant and rich musical life of Georgian London.

Richard Bridge's new organ, with three rows of keys and over two thousand pipes, was erected on the west gallery in a case of solid walnut. The double serpentine front, exuberantly carved in the richest taste, is one of only eight ever made to that pattern and by far the largest of the set. The gilded front pipes include the low notes down to contra G, five notes lower than found on organs built today.

Minor alterations were made to the organ in the early nineteenth century. In 1852 the instrument was reconstructed by the leading London firm of Gray & Davison. A modern Swell Organ and Pedal Organ were added to the scheme, but much of the 1735 Bridge material was retained. Further changes were made by Bishop and Son in 1926. The organ became derelict and has not been heard in public since about 1960.

During the restoration of the church the organ was dismantled to protect it from damage; today, only the empty case is to be seen in the church, awaiting the return of its musical parts.

Remarkably, much of the Richard Bridge organ survives, and where components or pipes have been lost there is sufficient evidence for new parts to be made to the original pattern.  The restoration of the organ to a state approaching that of 1735 is therefore a real possibility.  As such, it would be a wonderfully versatile musical instrument, as well as offering unique insights into the keyboard music of Handel’s London.

The Friends of Christ Church Spitalfields has launched an appeal for the restoration of this important instrument. If you would like to contribute to this appeal go to our support us page.

Further details on the restoration