Situated a stone's through from the Bank of England, the following interesting information was gleaned from a sign fixed to the outside of the building.
A Saxon church was built in this location in the 7th century, probably on the foundations of a 3rd century Mithras Temple, which are today preserved in Queen Victoria Street. In 1096 the Patron was Eudo, Dapifer to Henry I.
A larger gothic church was built 1439, and subsequently destroyed in 1666 by the Great Fire.
The present church by Wren's was built in the years1672-9, was damaged by bombing in 1941, rededicated in 1954, further restored during the period 1978-87 and rededicated in1987 with a new altar by Henry Moore.
Recognised as one of Wren's smaller masterpieces. the interior is claimed to be the "most perfectly proportioned in the world".
In 1959 this church was the birthplace of "The Samaritans" who's aim is to befriend the suicidal and despairing and in 1974 of "Befrienders International".
Digital photograph
Visitors to this album since June 2003
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