St Margaret Lothbury: A Baroque Gem in the City of London
Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
St Margaret Lothbury is a historic Church of England parish church located on Lothbury in the City of London. Originally recorded in the 12th century and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, it features exquisite 17th-century woodwork, notable artworks, and serves as the official church for several Livery Companies and local institutions.
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 a weekday morning or afternoon to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and view the intricate woodwork without crowds.
- Take time to admire the Grinling Gibbons carvings and the historic paintings of Moses and Aaron near the high altar.
- Explore the church’s connections with City Livery Companies through its stained glass windows and heraldic symbols.
- Attend a special service if possible to experience the church’s role in the local community and financial district traditions.
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 5 to 10-minute walk from the church. Bank station is a major interchange with frequent services, though the area can be busy during peak hours. No additional fare is required beyond standard London Underground pricing.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including routes 8, 11, and 23, stop near Lothbury. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment or Oyster cards. Note that traffic congestion can affect punctuality.
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Walking
If you are already in the City of London, walking to St Margaret Lothbury offers a scenic urban stroll through historic streets. Walking times range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is flat and accessible for most visitors.
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 and Historical Roots
St Margaret Lothbury has a rich history dating back to at least 1185, making it one of the longstanding ecclesiastical sites in London. The original medieval church was rebuilt in 1440, largely funded by Robert Large, a Lord Mayor remembered for mentoring William Caxton, England's first printer. The church was devastated in the Great Fire of London in 1666, after which it was reconstructed between 1686 and 1690 under the supervision of Sir Christopher Wren, the architect responsible for reshaping much of post-fire London. The church's tower, completed by Robert Hooke in 1700, adds to its architectural significance. In 1781, the parish expanded when it absorbed the parish of St Christopher le Stocks, which was demolished to extend the Bank of England.Architectural and Artistic Highlights
St Margaret Lothbury is a fine example of Baroque architecture, distinguished by its elegant proportions and historic craftsmanship. The church houses an exceptional collection of 17th-century woodwork, including the high altar reredos, communion rails, and baptismal font, many attributed to the renowned woodcarver Grinling Gibbons. Additional furnishings such as the pulpit sounding board and the rood screen were salvaged from other Wren churches that were demolished, preserving rare elements of London’s ecclesiastical heritage. The organ, built in 1801 by George Pike England, remains in its original case with most of its original pipework intact. Paintings of Moses and Aaron from St Christopher le Stocks flank the high altar, enriching the church’s artistic narrative.Role in the City and Community
Beyond its architectural beauty, St Margaret Lothbury serves as the official church for five Livery Companies, two Ward Clubs, and two Professional Institutes, reflecting its integral role in the civic and professional life of the City of London. The church’s stained glass windows celebrate these connections, with donations from various Livery Companies symbolizing their heritage and values. It also maintains close ties with local finance houses, hosting special services that underscore its continuing relevance in the heart of London’s financial district.Survival Through Turbulent Times
Remarkably, St Margaret Lothbury escaped serious damage during the Second World War, preserving its historic fabric and interior treasures. This survival allows visitors today to experience a largely intact example of Wren’s post-Great Fire rebuilding efforts. The church’s Grade I listing since 1950 recognizes its outstanding architectural and historic importance, ensuring its protection for future generations.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors to St Margaret Lothbury encounter a tranquil and contemplative space amid the bustling City. The interior’s fine woodwork and artworks create a warm, intimate atmosphere. The church’s historic ambiance is complemented by its role as a living place of worship and community gathering. Its location on Lothbury places it within a vibrant urban setting, yet inside, the centuries-old craftsmanship and sacred art invite reflection and appreciation of London’s layered history.Continuing Tradition and Accessibility
St Margaret Lothbury remains an active parish church, welcoming worshippers and visitors alike. Its weekday opening hours facilitate access for those working or touring the City, while its official website offers further information on services and events. The church’s proximity to major financial institutions and transport hubs makes it an accessible heritage site, blending historical significance with contemporary urban life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of James Henry Greathead
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Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
Cornhill Fountain
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A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
113 Cannon St
0.4 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.4 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.4 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Historic England
0.5 km
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
0.5 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
0.5 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
20 Fenchurch St
0.5 km
Iconic London skyscraper with a unique top-heavy design, featuring the Sky Garden — a free public rooftop oasis with panoramic city views and dining.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.6 km
Discover the serene St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historical Anglican gem in London, offering stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Fish St Hill
0.6 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Fish St Hill in London, a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the capital's rich heritage.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.6 km
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
0.6 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
St Giles Cripplegate
0.6 km
Medieval sanctuary where Milton rests and Cromwell wed, surviving 1,000 years of London's turbulent history.
Pudding Ln
0.6 km
Explore Pudding Lane, a historic London street where the Great Fire ignited, and discover the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the City.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bank of England Museum
0.1 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
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.
Guildhall
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Historic Anglican church in London’s financial district, blending striking Baroque architecture with rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Change Alley
0.2 km
Historic passageway in London’s financial heart, where coffee houses sparked the birth of modern stock trading and commerce.
St Stephen Walbrook
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
14 Hills
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.8 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.
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
1.5 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.5 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.5 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Restaurant Story
1.5 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Nomadic community
1.7 km
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
0.7 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Middlesex Textiles
0.8 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Traders Gate
0.9 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.
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
1.0 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Borough Yards
1.0 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Spitalfields Market
1.0 km
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
1.1 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Commercial St
1.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Sclater Street Market
1.1 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.3 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.3 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.2 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bootlegger
0.5 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 Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.5 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
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.
Dirty Dicks
0.7 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
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.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.8 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
0.8 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.8 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Aviary
0.8 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Flight Club Shoreditch
0.8 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
0.9 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
0.9 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Black Parrot
1.1 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
0.5 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
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.3 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
London Best Night Clubs
1.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
1.5 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.7 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
2.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Ministry of Sound
2.1 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
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
2.2 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
2.3 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Cirque Du Soul
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Corsica Studios
2.5 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
