St Mary Abchurch
Wren's intimate masterpiece crowned by a celestial dome and adorned with Grinling Gibbons' finest carvings.
Nestled on a narrow lane off Cannon Street, St Mary Abchurch is one of Sir Christopher Wren's finest parish churches, rebuilt between 1681 and 1686 following the Great Fire of London. This architectural gem features a breathtaking 40-foot dome—an engineering marvel with no supporting columns—painted with celestial imagery by parishioner William Snow. The interior showcases exquisite limewood carvings by master craftsman Grinling Gibbons, including a gilded pelican reredos. Despite wartime bombing damage during the 1940 Blitz, the church has been meticulously restored and remains virtually unchanged from Wren's original vision.
A brief summary to St Mary Abchurch
- Abchurch Yard, London, EC4N 7BA, GB
- +442076261555
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Look up immediately upon entering to fully appreciate William Snow's 1708 dome painting depicting the tetragrammaton surrounded by a heavenly choir—the interior's most breathtaking feature.
- Study the Grinling Gibbons reredos closely; the gilded pelican at its centre symbolises both the Eucharist and Corpus Christi College's crest, connecting the church to Cambridge's academic heritage.
- Visit on a weekday morning when the church is quieter; the intimate square interior and original box pews create a contemplative atmosphere best experienced without crowds.
- Note the carved board listing rectors from 1323 onwards—a tangible record of over 700 years of continuous spiritual leadership at this site.
- Explore the churchyard for refreshments at the coffee and snack stalls, and look for the 1841 hydrant cover incorporating a parish marker—a charming detail of Victorian infrastructure.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground Railway
Bank Station on the Northern, Central, and District Lines is approximately 200 metres away. Exit onto Threadneedle Street, then walk south towards Cannon Street. The church entrance is on Abchurch Lane, a narrow passage linking Cannon Street and King William Street. Journey time from central London zones is typically 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point.
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Mainline Railway
Cannon Street railway station is directly adjacent to the church location, approximately 100 metres away. Exit the station onto Cannon Street and locate Abchurch Lane, which runs between Cannon Street and King William Street. Walking time is less than 2 minutes.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 11, 15, 23, and 26, which stop on Cannon Street or nearby streets. Journey times vary depending on your starting location but typically range from 15–40 minutes. The church is a 3–5 minute walk from most bus stops on Cannon Street.
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Walking
The church is accessible on foot from the Thames riverside, St Paul's Cathedral (approximately 400 metres north), and the Monument (approximately 300 metres east). The surrounding streets are flat and pedestrian-friendly, though Abchurch Lane itself is narrow and can be congested during weekday lunch hours. Allow 5–15 minutes walking time from nearby landmarks.
St Mary Abchurch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St Mary Abchurch
A Church Rooted in Medieval London
St Mary Abchurch traces its origins to 1198–1199, making it one of London's oldest parishes. The name likely derives from a Saxon benefactor named Abba or Abbe, though some scholars suggest it may be a corruption of "Up Church," referencing its elevated position on one of two hills within the City of London—the other being the hill upon which St Paul's Cathedral stands, with the valley of the River Wallbrook between them. Before the Great Fire of London in 1666, the medieval church stood as one of 107 parish churches within the square mile of the City. Like so many of its contemporaries, it was consumed by the flames, leaving only ruins and memories.Wren's Architectural Experiment
Following the Great Fire, Sir Christopher Wren was presented with an almost perfectly square site—an opportunity he seized to explore one of architecture's greatest challenges: placing a dome on square foundations. Rebuilding commenced in 1681 under Wren's direction, with mason Christopher Kempster overseeing construction. Kempster, who had worked on St Paul's Cathedral and other significant City churches, brought exceptional craftsmanship to the project. The church was completed in 1686, emerging as a masterpiece of restrained elegance. Its plain red brick exterior with Portland stone dressings and a simple lead steeple belies the extraordinary interior that awaits visitors. The building represents Wren's experimental period with domes—a design philosophy he would later perfect on a vastly grander scale at St Paul's Cathedral.The Magnificent Dome and Celestial Painting
The church's most striking feature is its domed ceiling, spanning more than 40 feet across without support from columns or buttresses. This architectural achievement distributes the entire weight of the dome directly through the four brick walls—a feat of engineering that creates an illusion of spaciousness within the relatively modest interior. The dome was painted in 1708 by William Snow, a parishioner whose artistic vision transformed the interior into what has been described as London's miniature Sistine Chapel. Snow's composition depicts the tetragrammaton—the name of God in Hebrew characters—at the centre, surrounded by rays of glory and a heavenly choir of worshipping angels and cherubs in adoration. Below this celestial scene are eight seated female figures painted in monochrome, representing the Christian virtues. The dome suffered severe damage during a bombing raid in September 1940 during the London Blitz, but was skilfully restored between 1948 and 1953 by W. Godfrey Allen, with repainting completed by Walter Hoyle in 1952.Grinling Gibbons and the Reredos
The church's interior is dominated by one of the finest examples of decorative woodcarving in any London City church: the reredos created by Grinling Gibbons, widely regarded as the greatest wood-carver of his generation. This large wooden screen behind the altar showcases intricate carvings of fruit, flowers, and foliage, with a gilded pelican standing prominently at its centre. The pelican symbolises the Eucharist and also serves as the crest of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, which has held the church's patronage since the Reformation. Gibbons' original receipt for this work, dated 1686, is preserved in the Guildhall Library. The carvings were originally finished in natural limewood but were darkened with Victorian-era varnish, which somewhat obscures their original delicate beauty. The reredos was removed from the church for safekeeping during the Second World War and survived intact, unlike many other treasures lost to bombing.Furnishings and Civic Heritage
The church contains numerous original furnishings and monuments reflecting centuries of City life. The pulpit, dating to circa 1685 and crafted by William Grey, ranks among the finest examples in any City church. Original box pews line three sides of the interior, creating an intimate atmosphere enhanced by the rich dark woodwork. Two ceremonial wrought-iron sword-rests adorned the front pews, bearing the coats of arms of Lord Mayors George Scholey (1812) and Samuel Birch (1814), used to support the Lord Mayor's sword of office during official visits. A stone monument to Sir Patience Ward, Lord Mayor of 1680–1681, stands near the south-east window. Two 17th-century poor-boxes, each inscribed with the gilded words "Remember the Poor," remain at the back of the church. The font cover and Royal Arms were crafted by William Emmett and William Kempster respectively. A carved board listing rectors from 1323 to the present day provides tangible evidence of the church's continuous spiritual ministry across seven centuries.Hidden Depths and Wartime Revelations
Beneath the church lies a small rib-vaulted crypt accessible via steps in the south aisle, and below the baptistery, reached by a steep ladder, is a boiler-house containing a marble slab inscribed "The Entrance to the Vault belonging to Mr Westbrooke's Family" with the Latin word "Resurgemus"—we will rise again. The 1940 bombing, while devastating to the dome, inadvertently revealed a previously unknown vaulted chamber beneath the churchyard dating to the 14th century, likely the undercroft of a lost chantry chapel. This archaeological discovery added another layer to the church's complex history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
113 Cannon St
0.1 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.1 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.2 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Historic England
0.2 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.2 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Cornhill Fountain
0.2 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.3 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Lloyd's of London
0.4 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Custom House
0.5 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Southwark Bridge
0.5 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
St Mary Overie's Dock
0.6 km
Historic riverside dock in London’s Southwark, home to the Golden Hinde replica and steeped in medieval maritime heritage.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.6 km
Discover London's haunting past at The London Bridge Experience, where history and thrills meet in an unforgettable adventure.
Queen Victoria St
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Queen Victoria Street, a historic thoroughfare in London, blending modern attractions with rich history.
Bankside
0.6 km
London's cultural riverside gem where world-class art, historic theatres, and Thames views converge in a vibrant South Bank neighbourhood.
Unmissable attractions to see
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
0.1 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Lombard St
0.1 km
Discover Lombard Street, London’s medieval banking hub where historic signs and financial legacy meet in the heart of the City.
St Stephen Walbrook
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
0.2 km
Discover the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s headquarters in a captivating blend of archaeology, immersive art, and history in London’s heart.
Mansion House
0.2 km
Explore Mansion House, the grand Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, rich with history, art, and ceremonial splendor.
Change Alley
0.2 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
City of London
0.2 km
Discover the City of London’s unique fusion of ancient history and modern finance in the vibrant Square Mile.
The Royal Exchange
0.2 km
A historic neoclassical landmark in London’s financial heart, blending centuries of commerce with luxury shopping and fine dining.
Fish St Hill
0.2 km
Historic street leading to London Bridge, shadowed by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, blending centuries of London’s history.
1 Poultry
0.2 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
Bloomberg Arcade
0.3 km
A vibrant blend of independent dining, public art, and Roman history in the heart of London’s Square Mile.
Royal Exchange
0.3 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
St Michael Cornhill
0.3 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
Pudding Ln
0.3 km
Pudding Lane: Historic street where the Great Fire of London ignited, shaping the city’s future and urban heritage.
Bank of England Museum
0.3 km
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.
Essential places to dine
14 Hills
0.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Madison
0.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
0.7 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
George
0.8 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Restaurant Story
1.2 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
St. John
1.3 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.4 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.4 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
1.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.6 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Borough Yards
0.7 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Traders Gate
0.7 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Hay's Galleria
0.8 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Tower of London Shop
0.8 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Middlesex Textiles
1.0 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.0 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Barbican Shop
1.0 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.2 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Spitalfields Market
1.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Smithfield Market
1.2 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Commercial St
1.3 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
1.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.4 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
0.3 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.4 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.6 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.7 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.8 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Dirty Dicks
0.9 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.0 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Bell
1.0 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.0 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Nine Lives
1.0 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Discount Suit Company
1.1 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Aviary
1.1 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Black Parrot
1.2 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
XOYO LONDON
1.5 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
London Best Night Clubs
1.6 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Hoxton Pony
1.6 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Ministry of Sound
1.7 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Trafik
1.8 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
E1
1.9 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.0 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Proud Late
2.1 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Corsica Studios
2.1 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.2 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Carwash Nightclub
2.3 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
