Mary Sumner House Celebrates 100 Years of Community, Service, and Heritage

First opened in 1925, the building was named in honour of Mary Sumner, founder of Mothers’ Union – an international Christian movement of women committed to strengthening families and communities worldwide.

Designed by architect Claude W. Ferrier, also known for his work on Arsenal Football Club’s former Highbury Stadium, Mary Sumner House was established as the headquarters of the Mothers’ Union, with over 2000 members present on 18 July 1923, when the foundation stone was laid by Mary Sumner’s daughter, Louisa Gore-Brown. A century later, it remains the central offices for staff of the global movement, while also serving as a welcoming London conferencing venue available for hire for a wide range of events and gatherings.

Throughout its 100-year history, Mary Sumner House has witnessed remarkable events reflecting its enduring place in the local and national landscape. On 6 January 1928, the building endured a dramatic moment when the Thames burst its banks. Floodwaters surged down Horseferry Road and Great Peter Street, converging at the corner of Tufton and Great Peter Streets. Water burst through the entrance to the on-site bookshop and flooded both the boiler room and the room now known as the Conference Hall.

During the Second World War, the building once again played a vital community role. The Assembly Hall was requisitioned by Westminster City Council and repurposed as a public air-raid shelter. Meanwhile, staff sought safety in a specially constructed shelter in the basement, reflecting the building’s capacity to serve even in the most challenging of times.

Mary Sumner House features beautifully preserved architectural details, including a Conference Hall ideal for larger gatherings, a peaceful chapel designed by Messrs. Paul Waterhouse & Co, and several commemorative stained glass windows, which were installed after the original windows were blown out in the Second World War.

Over the years, Mary Sumner House has hosted royal visits, key moments in the charity’s history, and many functions in its role as a charity event venue. A highlight was when on Tuesday, 4 June 1985, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (then patron of Mothers’ Union) unveiled a plague, made of Welsh Slate, in the reception area to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Mary Sumner House. Today, the refurbished conference and meeting rooms are fully equipped to support workshops, corporate meetings, and special events.

When choosing Mary Sumner House as a venue, visitors not only enjoy a central London location steeped in heritage—they also support Mothers’ Union’s vital work in 84 countries to end poverty, violence, and social injustice.

Support Us

As we commemorate this special centenary, why not be a part of Mary Sumner House’s ongoing story? Host your next event in a venue that blends historic significance with modern convenience.

Click here to learn more or to make a booking. 

As a Christian membership charity, we demonstrate our faith in action. This happens as we work towards ending poverty, ending inequality ending injustice. You can support our work by donating today.