English Church , Bruges, Belgium

The Bishop of London was held to exercise responsibility for Anglican churches overseas where no other bishop had been appointed. He retained responsibility for churches in northern and central Europe until 1980, but his jurisdiction in southern Europe ceased in 1842 on the creation of the diocese of Gibraltar. In 1980, the Bishop of London divested himself of all overseas jurisdiction and a new diocese of 'Gibraltar in Europe' was established.

Bruges had a large English community from the 15th century, particuarly merchants, and also expatriates at the exiled Royalist court (Charles II lived in Bruges for some time during the Commonwealth period). From 1815 Anglicans worshipped in a disused convent chapel, which was renamed Saint Mary's Church by 1830. In the 1960s it became clear that the building was in dire need of repair; however, the English community was much smaller. It was decided to share a church building with the United Protestant Church. The chaplain is based at Ostend.