Stanley became the capital of the Falkland islands in the middle of 19th century. One of the first buildings here was the Exchange Building built in the site of present day cathedral. In 1865 the eastern wing of this wooden building was turned into a church - Holy Trinity Church - which was never consecrated.

The winter of 1886 happened to be very wet, with frequent heavy rains and a peat layer slid down from the slope of the hill next to Stanley. This landslide destroyed many buildings along its way including the Holy Trinity Church.