Summary

St Mary Woolnoth has been a place of worship in London since the 12th century. It may have been a significant area during the Roman period. The church is partnered with St Edmund the King and St Clement Eastcheap. The church has had many alterations throughout the medieval period being rebuilt many times.

The building was repaired by Sir Christopher Wren after the destruction of the previous one from the Great Fire of London. The church that stands today was rebuilt in the 18th century by Nicholas Hawskmoor and it survived the Blitz.

Like many churches in London, St Mary’s is tightly fitted into Lombard Street. It is easy to see, due to its double turret tower that stands higher than any other buildings around it, making it a central landmark in the area.

The site played a significant role during the abolition of slavery. The Brooke Slave Ship Diagram was printed in the same street as St Mary Woolnoth. Abolition meetings were held by William Wilberforce and John Newton at St Mary. John Newton was buried here after the abolition act was passed.

It is currently used by London’s German-speaking Swiss community and is also the official church in London for the Government of British Columbia, Canada.

Information from:

https://stml.org.uk/about/

St Mary Woolnoth – The Church with the Underground in the Crypt

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-woolnoth-city-london