St Margaret Lothbury: A Historic Wren Church in the Heart of London
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a historic Wren church blending rich medieval roots with exquisite Baroque artistry in London’s financial district.
St Margaret Lothbury is a Grade I listed Church of England parish church located on Lothbury in the City of London. Originally recorded in 1185, it was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. The church houses exquisite 17th-century woodwork, including pieces by Grinling Gibbons, and stained glass commemorating City Livery Companies. It remains an active parish and a symbol of London’s rich ecclesiastical and commercial history.
A brief summary to St Margaret Lothbury
- Lothbury, London, EC2R 7HH, GB
- +442077264878
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
- Thursday 7 am-6 pm
- Friday 7 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to experience the church’s serene atmosphere and attend lunchtime services for City workers.
- Look for the intricate baptismal font by Grinling Gibbons and the unique choir screen transferred from All Hallows-the-Great.
- Notice the modern stained glass windows that celebrate the City’s historic Livery Companies and their crafts.
- Appreciate the hidden River Walbrook flowing beneath the church, a fascinating feature of its foundations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Bank station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the station to St Margaret Lothbury. Bank station is well connected with multiple lines, and the walk is mostly flat and accessible. No entrance fee applies for the church.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Lothbury, including routes 8, 11, and 23. From the nearest bus stop, it is a short 5-10 minute walk to the church. Buses run frequently throughout the day with standard Transport for London fares.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Drop-off is possible nearby, but parking is limited and costly in the City of London.
St Margaret Lothbury location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Margaret Lothbury
Enduring Legacy Amidst the City’s Evolution
St Margaret Lothbury stands as a testament to London's layered history, first documented in 1185 with ties to Barking Abbey. The medieval church was rebuilt in 1440, funded by Robert Large, a former Lord Mayor and notable figure who apprenticed William Caxton, England’s first printer. The Great Fire of London in 1666 devastated the original building, but the church was meticulously reconstructed between 1686 and 1690 under the direction of Sir Christopher Wren, a master architect responsible for much of post-fire London’s skyline.Architectural and Artistic Treasures Within
The church’s interior is renowned for its exceptional 17th-century woodwork salvaged from other demolished Wren churches, including a baptismal font believed to be crafted by the famed woodcarver Grinling Gibbons. This font features cherub faces and biblical scenes such as the dove returning to Noah’s Ark. The choir screen and pulpit’s sounding board, originally from All Hallows-the-Great, add to the church’s unique character. Two painted panels of Moses and Aaron flank the high altar, originating from the demolished St Christopher-le-Stocks. The organ, built in 1801 by George Pike England, retains much of its original pipework and case.Symbolism and Community Connections
St Margaret Lothbury serves as the official church for five City of London Livery Companies and several professional institutes, reflected in its modern stained glass windows. These windows honor the crafts and trades historically linked to the area, such as the Glovers, Tylers and Bricklayers, and Scientific Instrument Makers. The church’s name, derived from the medieval metalworking trade that once dominated Lothbury, echoes the street’s noisy industrial past, famously described by John Stow in 1598.Hidden Features and Historical Layers
Beneath the church flows the River Walbrook, an ancient subterranean stream that has shaped the site’s foundations. Repairs in the 1980s required a diver to work underwater for nearly two years to preserve the structure. The church’s tower, completed in 1700 and designed by Robert Hooke, features a distinctive blue clock that has been recently refurbished, adding to the building’s charm.Continuing Role in London’s Spiritual Life
Though Sunday services are no longer held due to low attendance, St Margaret Lothbury remains active during weekdays, especially serving City workers with lunchtime Holy Communion. The parish has expanded over time by uniting with seven other parishes lost to fire, war, or urban development, maintaining its role as a spiritual and cultural hub in the financial heart of London.Architectural Recognition and Preservation
Designated a Grade I listed building in 1950, St Margaret Lothbury is protected for its outstanding architectural and historical significance. It stands as one of the few Wren churches that survived the Second World War with only minor damage, preserving its Baroque style and rich heritage for future generations to explore and appreciate.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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113 Cannon St
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Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
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Historic England
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Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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Lloyd's of London
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20 Fenchurch St
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St Anne & St Agnes Church
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Fish St Hill
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Monument to the Great Fire of London
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An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
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Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
St Giles Cripplegate
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Medieval sanctuary where Milton rests and Cromwell wed, surviving 1,000 years of London's turbulent history.
Pudding Ln
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bank of England Museum
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Explore over 300 years of British financial history and try lifting a real gold bar at this free, interactive museum in the heart of London’s financial district.
The Royal Exchange
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Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
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Threadneedle St
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Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Royal Exchange
0.2 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
London's Roman Amphitheatre
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Step beneath Guildhall Yard to explore London’s only Roman amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old arena of gladiators, wild beasts, and ancient spectacle.
1 Poultry
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A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
Mansion House
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Explore Mansion House, the grand Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, rich with history, art, and ceremonial splendor.
Guildhall
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Step into Guildhall, London's medieval heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and legendary giants tell the story of the City’s enduring power and history.
Guildhall Art Gallery
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Discover London’s rich art heritage and ancient Roman past beneath the striking semi-Gothic facade of the Guildhall Art Gallery.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
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Change Alley
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St Stephen Walbrook
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Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
St Lawrence Jewry
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Discover St Lawrence Jewry, Wren’s exquisite 17th-century guild church and the official sanctuary of London’s Lord Mayor, rich in history and serene beauty.
Lombard St
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Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
Essential places to dine
Madison
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Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
14 Hills
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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La Dame de Pic London
0.9 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
St. John
1.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
George
1.2 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Lyle's
1.3 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Sea Containers Restaurant
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Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
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The Clove Club
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Restaurant Story
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Nomadic community
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A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
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Middlesex Textiles
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Petticoat Lane Market
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London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Smithfield Market
1.0 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Tower of London Shop
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Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Borough Yards
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Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Spitalfields Market
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Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Hay's Galleria
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Commercial St
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Sclater Street Market
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Fashion St
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Bankside Arches Boutique
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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The Truman Brewery Markets
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Bootlegger
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Dirty Dicks
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Moonshine Saloon
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The Astronomer, EC1
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
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Aviary
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Flight Club Shoreditch
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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The Bell
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Discount Suit Company
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Black Parrot
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
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XOYO LONDON
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The Hoxton Pony
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Trafik
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Basing House - Shoreditch
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E1
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Ministry of Sound
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Proud Late
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Carwash Nightclub
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Cirque Du Soul
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We Are Waterloo
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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Corsica Studios
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
