St Michael Cornhill
City of London, Greater London
The church lies over the remains of the Basilica, the northern most part of the great Roman Forum built in the first century AD.
St Thomas is an oasis of calm, and steeped in history. Probably built as a chapel in the late 12th century, the dedication to Thomas à Becket reveals the link to Canterbury through Malling Deanery. The church had at least one aisle in the 13th century, and the chancel may keep the dimensions and even some walls of its possible 12th century predecessor. Following the reconstruction of the church in the 14th century, the plan of the western part of the church is almost square, the arcades are the best evidence of this.
The fine royal coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth I modelled in plaster bears the date 1598. Beneath it is an oil painting of the royal arms of England’s first two Hanoverian kings: George I, crowned 1714, and George II who reigned from 1727 to 1760. There is a colourful collection of 19th century stained glass. The late 15th century tower's flint walls appear as an irregular chequer pattern in certain lights.
The tower is topped with a splendid gilded weathervane; its interior spiral stair is locked but guided tours, bookable in advance, will be offered from late 2022.