St Mary le Bow
City of London, Greater London
Discover the famous church or Bow Bells and see the majestic architecture of Sir Christopher Wren, an oasis of peace in the midst of the city.
This is thought to be the oldest church in the City dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
City of London, Greater London
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.
City of London, Greater London
Discover the famous church or Bow Bells and see the majestic architecture of Sir Christopher Wren, an oasis of peace in the midst of the city.
City of London, Greater London
The stretch of river close by St James was London's most important hythe, landing place, since Saxon times, with garlic, a vital preservative and medicine was unloaded here and traded on Garlick Hill, where the church stands.
City of London, Greater London
This is a Wren church with a steeple of 1713 and fine windows, including one for Dick Whittington, who is buried here.