King's Chapel Church
Historic 18th-century church and burial ground in Boston
On Boston's Freedom Trail by the Common, King's Chapel attracts history-minded visitors for its Georgian-era architecture, colonial-era interior and proximity to downtown museums.
King's Chapel at a Glance#
Address: Kings Chapel, 58 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108, United States
Website: https://www.kings-chapel.org
Hours: Typically open daily for visitors; hours can vary - check chapel schedule for services and events
Admission: Free to enter (donations welcome); guided tours and organ recitals have scheduled times
About King's Chapel#
King’s Chapel is a historic church located on Tremont Street facing Boston Common in central Boston, Massachusetts. The present stone building was constructed in the mid-18th century and is a noted example of colonial Georgian ecclesiastical architecture.
The interior preserves original-era box pews and period fittings typical of mid-18th century Protestant churches in New England. The church sits immediately beside the King’s Chapel Burying Ground, which contains gravestones for many of Boston’s early settlers.
The congregation was founded in the late 17th century as an Anglican parish, and the current masonry church replaced an earlier wooden chapel. Over time the congregation’s practices and theology evolved, while the building itself has been preserved as a historic landmark and active place of worship.
King’s Chapel stands in Boston’s downtown at the edge of the Boston Common, within easy walking distance of the city’s historic Freedom Trail and other central sites.
- Architect and date: The current masonry building was constructed between 1749 and 1754 and was designed by architect Peter Harrison, a leading colonial-era architect.
- Historic cemetery: The adjacent burying ground, established in the 1630s, is directly beside the church and is one of the oldest historic graveyards in Boston.
What to See#
- King’s Chapel Burying Ground: Founded in the 1630s, it is Boston’s oldest burying ground and contains gravestones and markers for many of the city’s early settlers and leaders.
- Sanctuary and interior: The church building’s stone structure was constructed in the mid-18th century and contains original box pews and period interior fittings associated with Georgian ecclesiastical design.
How to Get to King's Chapel#
King’s Chapel is a short walk from Boston Common and sits on the Freedom Trail. From Park Street or Downtown Crossing MBTA stations it is a 2-5 minute walk; the address is 58 Tremont Street.
Tips for Visiting King's Chapel#
- Attend a Sunday service or a scheduled organ recital to experience the chapel's famous acoustics and the historic Paul Revere bell.
- The chapel is a short walk from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail - combine with nearby historic sites like the Old State House.
Best Time to Visit King's Chapel#
Visit in spring through autumn to combine the chapel with walking tours of historic Boston.
Weather & Climate near King's Chapel#
King's Chapel's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1129 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 2° | -8° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -6° - 4° | -7° | 87 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 8° | -1° | 104 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 14° | 6° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 26° | 20° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 29° | 23° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 28° | 22° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 24° | 18° | 91 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 11° | 3° | 105 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 5° | -4° | 100 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |