St Margaret Pattens
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
A Grade I listed Wren church standing at the junction of Eastcheap and Rood Lane in the City of London's financial district. Built between 1684–1687 following the Great Fire, this architectural gem features a distinctive 200-foot spire—Wren's only 'true spire' designed in medieval Gothic style. The church miraculously survived World War II bombing and retains exceptional 17th-century features including canopied churchwardens' pews, ornate wood panelling, and historic monuments. Today it serves as the Guild Church of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers and Basketmakers, offering weekday services and open prayer hours.
A brief summary to St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
- Rood Ln, Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1HS, GB
- +442076236630
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a Thursday at 1:15 PM for the sung Eucharist service, experiencing the church's liturgical life and exceptional acoustics with the amateur choir.
- Examine the display cases near the entrance showcasing actual medieval pattens and information about the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers—essential context for understanding the church's unique name.
- Study the canopied churchwardens' pews and wood panelling throughout the interior, representing rare surviving 17th-century craftsmanship and Restoration-era ecclesiastical design.
- Look for the panels listing Past Masters of the Pattenmakers Company on the south wall, documenting continuous guild association since 1670.
- Step outside to view the spire from Rood Lane or nearby streets—the 200-foot Gothic-style tower is best appreciated from a distance against the surrounding modern skyline.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground Train
From Bank Station (approximately 200 metres away), take the Circle, District, or Northern Line. Exit at Bank and follow signs toward Eastcheap. Journey time from central London: 5–15 minutes depending on origin. The station is accessible with lifts and step-free access to platforms. Frequency: trains every 2–5 minutes during peak hours.
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Underground Train Alternative
From Monument Station (approximately 150 metres away), served by the Circle and District Lines, exit toward Fish Street Hill and navigate to Eastcheap. Journey time from central London: 5–15 minutes. Accessible with lifts. Frequency: trains every 2–5 minutes during peak hours.
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Bus
Routes 11, 15, 23, and 42 serve stops on or near Eastcheap. Journey times vary from 10–30 minutes depending on origin and traffic conditions. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with reduced service after 23:00. All buses are wheelchair accessible.
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Walking
From Tower of London (approximately 400 metres), walk northwest along Tower Street to Eastcheap. From St Paul's Cathedral (approximately 500 metres), walk southeast via Cheapside and Queen Victoria Street. Both routes take 8–12 minutes on level, paved streets with good pedestrian infrastructure. The church sits at the junction of Rood Lane and Eastcheap, clearly visible from the street.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
Nine Centuries of Sacred Ground
For more than 950 years, a church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch has occupied this site in the heart of the City of London. The first recorded church, established in 1067, was likely constructed from wood—a modest structure serving the medieval parish. Over the centuries, the building evolved through multiple incarnations: rebuilt in stone at an unknown date, then demolished in 1530 after falling into disrepair. A new stone church rose in 1538, only to be consumed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed 107 churches across the City in a single catastrophic event. The present church, designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren between 1684 and 1687, represents the fourth known structure on this consecrated ground. Wren's reconstruction cost £5,000—a substantial sum for the period—and was funded partly through a novel tax on coal entering the Port of London. This financial arrangement speaks to the church's importance within the commercial heart of the City.The Patten Makers and Medieval Footwear
The church's distinctive name derives from pattens—wooden-soled overshoes with raised iron rings that medieval Londoners strapped to their shoes to navigate the filthy, muddy streets. In the 14th century, before modern sanitation, these practical devices were essential for protecting fine clothing and footwear from horse manure and worse. The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, first recorded in 1379, operated primarily on nearby Rood Lane, creating a natural association with the local church. A notice historically displayed inside the church requested 'women to leave their Pattens before entering'—a practical measure to protect the interior. The church's connection to the Pattenmakers remains visible today through panels listing Past Masters dating from 1670, displayed on the south wall. The Company received its royal warrant in 1717 and continues to hold its Ascension Day service at the church annually. Similarly, the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, another medieval trade guild based locally, became associated with the church and their records are also displayed within.Wren's Architectural Vision and the Distinctive Spire
The exterior of St Margaret Pattens is dominated by its remarkable 200-foot spire, which rises above the surrounding modern office buildings with quiet dignity. This spire represents Wren's third-highest design in London and is uniquely significant as his only spire executed in medieval Gothic style—a deliberate departure from his typical classical vocabulary. Architectural historians have called it Wren's only 'true spire,' acknowledging its exceptional design. The tower and spire were completed with lead-covered timber construction, and the north wall bears lead rainwater heads dated 1685, marking the building's progress. The church's exterior presents a study in restrained elegance. Built of stone with large clear windows that flood the interior with light, the design anticipates the Georgian era while maintaining Stuart-era proportions. The building stands as a pared-back example of ecclesiastical simplicity, eschewing excessive ornamentation in favour of functional beauty.Interior Treasures and Exceptional Features
Inside, the church unfolds as a simple rectangle wrapped in oak panelling, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere. Among its most unusual features are the only surviving canopied pews in London, dating from the 17th century and originally reserved for churchwardens. One pew bears the initials 'CW,' long thought to reference Christopher Wren himself, though they may equally signify 'church warden.' These pews represent a rare survival from the period and offer tangible connection to the church's Restoration-era origins. The interior is enriched with monuments and memorials spanning centuries of City history. A particularly grand memorial on the south wall commemorates Sir Peter Delmé, former Lord Mayor and Governor of the Bank of England, who died in 1728. An 18th-century organ case and an impressive Royal coat of arms command attention in the main body of the church. A punishment box—where wrongdoers were required to sit during services as public penance—survives as a sobering reminder of medieval ecclesiastical discipline. The wood carving throughout is exceptional, including a panelled inner vestry with a fireplace. A display case near the entrance showcases actual pattens, bringing the church's namesake into tangible focus. Another case celebrates the connection with the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, illustrating the deep commercial and social roots of the church within medieval London's craft guilds.Survival and Modern Purpose
St Margaret Pattens is one of only a handful of City churches to escape significant damage during the Second World War Blitz, a remarkable survival that preserved its exceptional interior features intact. The church was designated Grade I listed in 1950, recognising its architectural and historical importance. In 1954, it transitioned from a traditional parish church to a Guild Church, ceasing to serve a conventional Sunday parish but instead hosting midweek services under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London and within the living of the Lord Chancellor. Today, the church functions as an active spiritual and cultural hub. It maintains a standing amateur choir—rare among City churches—and holds a sung Eucharist every Thursday at 1:15 PM. The church and Lady Chapel are open for prayer and contemplation from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. The building continues to serve the Pattenmakers and Basketmakers companies, hosting their annual services and maintaining records of their leadership. Despite being surrounded by modern financial district towers, including the distinctive 'Walkie Talkie' building, St Margaret Pattens preserves a serene sanctuary and a tangible link to London's medieval commercial and spiritual heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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London Wall
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Historic England
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Fish St Hill
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8-12 Tower Hill
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Essential places to dine
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George
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Madison
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Lyle's
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
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Tower of London Shop
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Hay's Galleria
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1 Poultry
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Middlesex Textiles
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Petticoat Lane Market
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Borough Yards
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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One New Change
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Fashion St
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Commercial St
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Spitalfields Market
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Sclater Street Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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E1
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Romantic
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Viewpoints
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
