St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
Discover the historic heart of Fleet Street, where journalism, printing, and London’s past converge in a stunning Wren-designed church.
St Bride's Church stands as a historic landmark in the heart of London, renowned for its iconic wedding cake spire and deep ties to journalism and printing. Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, the church has witnessed centuries of change, from Roman foundations to its role as the spiritual home of Fleet Street's media world. Visitors can explore its crypt, uncovering layers of history, and pay tribute to journalists and pioneers of the press.
A brief summary to St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
- Fleet St, London, EC4Y 8AU, GB
- +442074270133
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the crypt for a guided tour to see Roman and medieval remains, as well as exhibits on the history of Fleet Street and journalism.
- Look for the Journalists’ Altar and memorials to journalists and printing pioneers, which highlight the church’s unique connection to the press.
- Check the church’s opening hours, as it is closed on Saturdays and may have limited access during services or special events.
- Don’t miss the wedding cake spire, an iconic symbol of London’s architectural heritage and the inspiration for tiered wedding cakes.
- Take time to explore the church’s memorials to Virginia Dare and Edward Winslow, connecting the church to the early history of America.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the Central or District line to Temple station, then walk approximately 5 minutes to St Bride’s Church. The route is flat and accessible, with clear signage.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including the 4, 11, 15, and 26, stop near Fleet Street. The walk from the nearest stop to the church is about 3 minutes on level pavement.
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Walking
From Charing Cross station, walk east along Strand for about 10 minutes, then turn left onto Fleet Street. The church is on the right, with a distinctive spire visible from a distance.
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Cycling
Cycle along the Thames Path, then turn onto Fleet Street. Bike racks are available nearby, and the route is well-marked and mostly flat.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
Layers of London’s Past
Beneath the elegant Portland stone walls of St Bride’s Church, the story of London unfolds across two millennia. Archaeologists discovered Roman remains beneath the church, including a pavement dating back to the 2nd century AD, hinting at a settlement that predates even the earliest Christian worship here. The site’s spiritual significance stretches back to the 5th century, when St Brigid of Kildare’s followers may have established a place of worship. Successive churches rose and fell over the centuries, each leaving traces in the crypt, where visitors can see medieval tiles, stonework, and artifacts that tell the tale of London’s evolving faith and community.The Printer’s Church and Fleet Street Legacy
St Bride’s is forever linked to the birth of the printing industry. In 1500, Wynkyn de Worde, assistant to William Caxton, set up the first moveable type printing press in the churchyard, sparking a revolution that made Fleet Street the epicenter of British journalism. The church became a sanctuary for printers and journalists, a tradition that continues today with memorials to fallen reporters and the famous Journalists’ Altar. Writers such as Samuel Johnson, Samuel Pepys, and Pope lived nearby, and the church’s connection to the press is celebrated in its displays and exhibitions.Wren’s Masterpiece and the Wedding Cake Spire
After the Great Fire of London destroyed the medieval church in 1666, Sir Christopher Wren designed the current building, which reopened in 1675. The church’s most striking feature is its tiered steeple, completed in 1703, which inspired the traditional multi-layered wedding cake. The spire’s elegant design has become an enduring symbol of London’s architectural heritage. Despite being damaged by lightning and wartime bombing, the steeple remains a testament to Wren’s vision and craftsmanship.Memorials and Modern Connections
St Bride’s is a place of remembrance, honoring not only journalists but also pioneers of the New World. The parents of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America, were married here, and Edward Winslow, a Mayflower leader, was a parishioner. The church’s crypt contains a museum chronicling its history and the story of Fleet Street, while the Journalists’ Altar commemorates those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The church’s restoration after World War II was marked by a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring its enduring significance.A Living Heritage Site
Today, St Bride’s Church is both a working parish and a heritage attraction, welcoming visitors to explore its rich history and tranquil atmosphere. The crypt offers guided tours, revealing the layers of London’s past, while the church itself remains a place of worship and reflection. Its location in the bustling heart of London makes it a unique oasis, where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the rhythms of modern life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Fleet St
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Hodge The Cat Statue
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The Blackfriar
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Church Entry
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St Dunstan-in-the-West
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Temple Church
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John Wilkes statue
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Essential places to dine
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St. John
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Sarastro
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Wahaca Southbank
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Southbank Centre Food Market
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Strada Southbank
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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The Store X
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j-me original design ltd
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Smithfield Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Zoo Bar & Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
