St Vedast alias Foster, Surrey Travel Guide

4.6 (71)

Historic City of London church rebuilt by Wren, dedicated to a French saint, with a striking baroque spire and rich wartime resilience.

Home
Travel Guides
United Kingdom
Surrey
St Vedast alias Foster

St Vedast-alias-Foster, located at 4 Foster Lane in London, is a historic Anglican church with origins dating back to the 12th century. Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London and restored following severe damage in the Blitz, this church is notable for its distinctive baroque spire and collegiate-style interior seating. It honors Saint Vedast, a French bishop and miracle worker, whose name evolved into 'Foster' over centuries.

A brief summary to St Vedast alias Foster

4 Foster Ln, London, EC2V 6HH, GB
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-3 pm
Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
Thursday 10 am-3 pm
Friday 10 am-3 pm
Sunday 11 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St Vedast alias Foster.

Visit during weekday mornings to experience the tranquil atmosphere and appreciate the church’s unique collegiate seating.
Look for the baroque spire from the street level—one of the most ornate in the City of London.
Explore the nearby rectory courtyard to see the carved stone head of Canon Mortlock by Jacob Epstein.
Attend a service or event to hear the church’s restored organ, an important part of its musical heritage.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

LaplandUK

Plunket Memorial Viewpoint

Bushy Park

Runnymede Air Forces Memorial

The Jurors

Explore St Vedast alias Foster on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near St Vedast alias Foster, mapped for you.

Getting There

London Underground

Take the Central Line to St. Paul's station, approximately a 7-10 minute walk to St Vedast-alias-Foster. The station is well-served with frequent trains and accessible facilities. No additional cost beyond standard fare applies.
Bus

Bus routes 4, 11, and 15 stop near St Paul's Cathedral, about a 5-8 minute walk from the church. Buses run frequently during the day, with fares payable by contactless card or Oyster. Note that traffic congestion may affect journey times.
Walking

If you are already in the City of London, walking to St Vedast-alias-Foster is pleasant and straightforward. Expect 10-20 minutes on foot from landmarks like the Bank of England, with mostly flat, paved streets suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Seating Areas
Information Boards

Discover more about St Vedast alias Foster

Origins and Dedication to a French Saint

St Vedast-alias-Foster traces its roots back to at least the 12th century, established by 1170. The church is dedicated to Saint Vedast (also known as Vaast), a French bishop and saint renowned for miracles involving the blind and lame during the early medieval period. The dedication likely reflects the influence of the Flemish community in medieval London. The name 'Foster' is an Anglicisation of Vedast, evolving through various forms such as Vastes, Fastes, and Fauster, which led to the church's unusual dual name.

Architectural Evolution and Wren’s Rebuilding

Although the original medieval church survived until the Great Fire of London in 1666, it suffered extensive damage. Sir Christopher Wren’s office rebuilt the main body of the church between 1670 and 1673, incorporating parts of the medieval south wall. The tower, originally medieval, was replaced in the 1690s, and its striking three-tier baroque spire was added in the early 18th century, possibly designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. This spire is considered one of the most ornate in the City of London.

Destruction and Restoration in the 20th Century

The church endured severe damage during the London Blitz of 1940-41, when incendiary and high-explosive bombs gutted the interior. The tower survived but bore scars and early graffiti. Post-war restoration led by architect Stephen Dykes Bower in the 1950s rebuilt the roof and interior, preserving the historic walls. A Georgian-style rectory and parish room were added nearby, featuring notable artworks such as a mural by Hans Feibusch and a carved stone head by Jacob Epstein.

Interior Character and Worship Style

The church interior is arranged in a collegiate style, with pews facing each other rather than the pulpit, fostering a communal atmosphere reminiscent of a choir. This layout reflects its historical liturgical practices. The church’s windows once featured painted transparent blinds depicting scriptural scenes instead of stained glass, a unique feature noted in the 19th century.

Location and Surroundings

Situated on Foster Lane near Gresham Street, St Vedast-alias-Foster stands close to other City landmarks such as Goldsmiths’ Hall. Its location in the dense urban fabric of the City of London places it among a cluster of historic churches and commercial buildings, offering a quiet spiritual refuge amid the bustling financial district.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

St Vedast-alias-Foster is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of London’s resilience through centuries of fire, war, and urban change. Its rare dedication and architectural features make it a unique heritage site. The involvement of figures like poet Robert Herrick, Sir John Betjeman, and artists such as Feibusch and Epstein enrich its cultural tapestry, linking it to broader narratives of English literature, art, and history.