IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth is a historic Anglican church located at 10-13 Lombard Street in the City of London. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and completed in 1727, it stands on a site with worship history dating back to at least the 12th century, possibly with Roman origins. Known for its striking English Baroque façade, the church is intertwined with London's religious, architectural, and abolitionist heritage, and today serves as a vibrant community hub and spiritual center.
A brief summary to IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
- 10-13 Lombard St, London, EC3V 9AN, GB
- +442076269701
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-4 pm
- Thursday 7 am-4 pm
- Friday 7 am-2 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for quieter reflection and to appreciate the church’s architectural details.
- Explore the nearby Bank Underground station entrance, which incorporates parts of the church’s former crypt.
- Learn about John Newton and the abolitionist history connected to the church through plaques and memorials inside.
- Check IMPRINT Church London’s schedule for community events and services to experience local worship culture.
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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London Underground
Take the Central, Northern, or Waterloo & City lines to Bank station, located directly beneath St Mary Woolnoth. The station is served frequently throughout the day, with typical journey times from central London stations ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. The station is fully accessible and no additional fare beyond standard London Underground pricing applies.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve Lombard Street and nearby King William Street, including routes 8, 11, 23, and 26. Buses run frequently during the day with journeys from central London taking approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted.
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Walking
From Monument or Bank stations, walking to St Mary Woolnoth takes about 5 to 10 minutes along paved city streets. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchair users. The route passes through the historic financial district with many architectural highlights.
IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth 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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Low-Visibility Conditions
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
Architectural Masterpiece by Nicholas Hawksmoor
St Mary Woolnoth is a remarkable example of English Baroque architecture, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and constructed between 1716 and 1727. Hawksmoor’s design is distinctive for its imposing façade featuring two flat-topped turrets supported by Corinthian columns, an unusual forward-curving pediment, and a commanding presence on Lombard Street. This church is Hawksmoor’s only City of London church and is noted for its bold, arresting style that stands out amid the dense urban fabric. The building’s design reflects Hawksmoor’s creative genius and his role in the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches, a project aimed at accommodating London’s growing population in the early 18th century.Layers of History and Roman Foundations
The site of St Mary Woolnoth has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 12th century, with earlier origins possibly stretching back to Roman times. Excavations during Hawksmoor’s rebuilding uncovered Roman remains, suggesting the presence of significant Roman structures beneath the church. The church’s name, first recorded in 1191, may derive from a Saxon nobleman or a benefactor linked to the wool trade. Previous medieval and post-Great Fire churches stood here before Hawksmoor’s reconstruction, including a Wren repair after the 1666 fire. The crypt, once part of the church, was sold for the construction of the Bank Underground station, with the remains reinterred elsewhere.Spiritual and Social Significance
St Mary Woolnoth has been a center of religious life and social activism, notably during the abolitionist movement. John Newton, the evangelical rector famous for writing the hymn "Amazing Grace," served here from 1780 to 1807. Newton, alongside William Wilberforce, used the church as a platform to campaign against the slave trade. The church’s connection to these figures marks it as a site of profound cultural and historical importance. Today, it continues to serve a diverse congregation, including London’s German-speaking Swiss community and official representatives of the Government of British Columbia.Survival and Adaptation in a Changing City
Despite several threats of demolition, St Mary Woolnoth has survived intact, including through the Blitz of World War II. The church’s crypt was controversially repurposed for the Bank Underground station between 1897 and 1900, a pioneering engineering feat that preserved the church above ground while accommodating London’s expanding transport network below. The church’s interior and exterior have undergone various restorations, including the removal of unsafe galleries in the 19th century. Its Grade I listing since 1950 recognizes its architectural and historic significance.Community and Worship Today
Currently home to IMPRINT Church London, St Mary Woolnoth functions as a vibrant, charismatic Anglican congregation passionate about community impact. The church hosts regular services, youth events, and outreach programs, welcoming all visitors and worshippers. Its location in the heart of the City of London makes it both a spiritual haven and a historical landmark amid the bustling financial district. The church also features a café, blending hospitality with heritage.Unique Urban Setting and Cultural Legacy
Nestled tightly into Lombard Street, St Mary Woolnoth’s double turret tower rises prominently above surrounding buildings, making it a distinctive landmark. The surrounding area, historically known for markets and trade, adds layers of urban character to the church’s setting. The church’s story is intertwined with London’s evolution from Roman times through medieval and modern eras, reflecting the city’s resilience and cultural depth. Its connections to abolitionism and hymnody enrich its legacy, inviting reflection on faith, history, and social justice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of James Henry Greathead
0.1 km
Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Cornhill Fountain
0.1 km
A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
113 Cannon St
0.2 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.2 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Historic England
0.3 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
0.3 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
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.
London Bridge
0.6 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.6 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.6 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Southwark Bridge
0.6 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.
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.
St Vedast alias Foster
0.6 km
Explore the serene St Vedast alias Foster, a historic Anglican church in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Unmissable attractions to see
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.
Change Alley
0.1 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
Mansion House
0.1 km
Explore Mansion House, the grand Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, rich with history, art, and ceremonial splendor.
The Royal Exchange
0.1 km
A historic neoclassical landmark in London’s financial heart, blending centuries of commerce with luxury shopping and fine dining.
St Mary Abchurch
0.1 km
Discover the tranquility of St Mary Abchurch, a historic church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in London's financial district, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
St Stephen Walbrook
0.1 km
Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
Royal Exchange
0.1 km
London’s historic Royal Exchange: a grand neoclassical hub where centuries of commerce and culture converge in the heart of the financial district.
Bank of England Museum
0.2 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.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
0.2 km
Historic crossroads where London’s financial legacy meets neoclassical grandeur and luxury shopping in the heart of the City.
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.
1 Poultry
0.2 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
St Michael Cornhill
0.2 km
Discover centuries of history, architecture, and music at St Michael Cornhill, a serene medieval church standing atop Roman London’s ancient basilica.
Threadneedle St
0.2 km
Discover Threadneedle Street, the historic financial artery of London, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
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.
St Margaret Lothbury
0.2 km
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
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
0.8 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.9 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.
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.
George
1.0 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
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.
Restaurant Story
1.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
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.
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.
Lyle's
1.5 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.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
0.8 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.
Borough Yards
0.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
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.
Hay's Galleria
0.9 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Barbican Shop
0.9 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Spitalfields Market
1.1 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Smithfield Market
1.2 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Sclater Street Market
1.2 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.3 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.3 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
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.
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
0.6 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Moonshine Saloon
0.7 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
0.8 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.9 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Aviary
1.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.1 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Nine Lives
1.1 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.3 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
1.4 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
London Best Night Clubs
1.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
1.7 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.9 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
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
1.9 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.
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.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
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
- Casual
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
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Mindfulness
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
