An 18th century blueprint by a legendary architect was uncovered during conservation works at a church in Greenwich.

The drawing was discovered by Richard Hill, a conservation architect, who found the drawing buried beneath old photos and press cuttings of Greenwich.

Mr Hill had been working for St Alfege Church and during his research, he found it at the Greenwich Heritage Centre.

The original drawing was by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the pupil of Sir Cristopher Wren who originally designed St Alfege Church and is considered one of England’s most significant architects.

Richard Hill, of Richard Griffiths Architects, said: “I realised that this was a design stage drawing of St Alfege, probably from 1712, and it seemed to be in the hand of Nicholas Hawksmoor.

“Expert advice was sought and Professor Kerry Downes confirmed that his expert opinion is ‘that the new discovery is from the master's own hand’.”

The drawing, which shows the north elevation of St Alfege Church, is an original ink and wash drawing by Nicholas Hawksmoor himself.

St Alfege Church is a Grade 1 listed landmark church in London, constructed between 1712 and 1718 and was the first complete church project undertaken by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The drawing is now on display on request at the Greenwich Heritage Centre in Woolwich.

Vicar Chris Moody said: “We’re delighted with this find which is helping us in the development of our designs for works which both reveal and conserve Hawksmoor’s masterpiece while ensuring accessibility and better integration with the town centre.”