GreaterLondonCITYOFLONDONStMaryAldermary(ungryyoungmanCC-BY-2.0)1 UngryYoungMan

St Mary Aldermary

This is thought to be the oldest church in the City dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

City of London, Greater London

Opening times

Open Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm.

Address

Watling Street
City of London
Greater London
EC4M 9BW

The medieval building was replaced by one in the Gothic style in 1510 but was then destroyed in the Great Fire.

Reconstruction was carried out under the supervision of the Wren office, though there is no evidence that Wren himself had much of a hand in it; the parishioners were much attached to the Gothic style, for which Wren had no enthusiasm. The work was completed in 1682 and is now regarded as one of the two most important 17th century Gothic churches in England.

The fan vaulting is particularly spectacular and makes St Mary's a joy to experience.

Much of the interior furnishings reflect the heavy Victorian refurbishment in 1876, though the stained glass windows date mainly from the early 1950s, replacing the Victorian windows which were shattered by World War II air raids.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

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St James Garlickhythe

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St Michael Paternoster Royal

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This is a Wren church with a steeple of 1713 and fine windows, including one for Dick Whittington, who is buried here.