<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“That’s part of the kind of mythology… there’s that endless contrast. But that’s kind of part of being London, I think.”<\/p>\n
And as for what it’s like to be the local vicar for the Royal Family…<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think he found that terribly funny, but I did.”<\/p>\n
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<\/i><\/p>\n
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on <\/i>Sounds<\/i><\/a> and follow BBC London on <\/i>Facebook<\/i>, external<\/span><\/a>, <\/i>X<\/i>, external<\/span><\/a> and <\/i>Instagram<\/i>, external<\/span><\/a>. Send your story ideas to <\/i>hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk<\/i>, external<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n