St Vedast alias Foster: A Historic City of London Church with a Baroque Spire
Discover St Vedast alias Foster, a historic City of London church with a rare French dedication and an exquisite baroque spire by Hawksmoor.
St Vedast alias Foster is a historic Anglican church located at 4 Foster Lane in the City of London. Established by the 12th century and dedicated to the French saint Vedast, it was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666. The church features a striking baroque spire possibly designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and survived severe damage during the Blitz. Its restored interior and distinctive collegiate-style seating offer a unique glimpse into London's ecclesiastical heritage.
A brief summary to St Vedast alias Foster
- 4 Foster Ln, London, EC2V 6HH, GB
- +442076063998
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for quieter moments and to appreciate the church’s interior details.
- Explore the adjacent rectory to see the Hans Feibusch mural and Jacob Epstein’s carved stone head.
- Attend a Sunday service between 11am and 12pm to experience the church’s unique collegiate seating arrangement.
- Look up to admire the three-tier baroque spire, one of the most ornate in the City of London.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Bank or St Paul's stations, both approximately a 7-10 minute walk from St Vedast. Frequent services run on the Central, Northern, and District lines. No direct bus stops are immediately adjacent, but several routes serve nearby streets. Tube fares range from £2.40 to £6.00 depending on zones and ticket type.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £8 to £15. Note that traffic congestion charges apply in the City during weekdays.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking is an excellent option. The church is accessible via paved city streets with flat terrain. Walking times from landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral are around 5-7 minutes.
St Vedast alias Foster 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 Vedast alias Foster
Origins and Dedication to a French Saint
The Parish of St Vedast alias Foster traces its origins back to the 12th century, traditionally established by 1170. It is dedicated to St Vedast, a French saint and bishop of Arras and Cambrai, whose cult arrived in England through Augustinian clergy and possibly a Flemish community in medieval London. The name 'Foster' evolved as an Anglicisation of 'Vedast' through various historic forms such as Vastes and Fastres. This unusual dedication is rare in the UK, with only one other church dedicated to St Vedast in Lincolnshire.Reconstruction and Architectural Highlights
Although the original medieval church was not entirely destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, it suffered extensive damage. It was rebuilt between 1670 and 1673 under Sir Christopher Wren’s office, incorporating parts of the medieval fabric such as the south wall. The church’s tower, replaced between 1695 and 1698, supports a three-tier baroque spire added by 1712, attributed to Nicholas Hawksmoor. This spire is considered one of the most ornate in the City of London, contributing a distinctive silhouette to the area around Foster Lane.War Damage and Post-War Restoration
During the London Blitz of 1940-41, St Vedast was gutted by firebombs, leaving only the tower and shell intact. A proposal to preserve the ruins as a war memorial was rejected, leading to a post-war restoration led by architect Stephen Dykes Bower from 1953. This restoration included re-roofing and rebuilding the interior, with the addition of a parish room and Georgian-style rectory. The rectory houses a notable mural by Hans Feibusch depicting Jacob and the Angel and a carved stone head of Canon Mortlock by Jacob Epstein.Interior and Worship Experience
The church interior is arranged in a collegiate style, with pews facing each other across the nave, fostering a communal atmosphere akin to a choir. This layout, while unique, means some congregants must turn to see the preacher. The church has historically been noted for its dignified simplicity, once featuring transparent blinds painted with scriptural scenes instead of stained glass. The atmosphere combines reverence with a sense of historical continuity, reflecting centuries of worship and community life.Location and Surroundings
Situated on Foster Lane near Gresham Street, St Vedast lies in the heart of the City of London’s financial district. The church’s tower and spire stand out amid the surrounding modern office buildings, offering a historic landmark and a tranquil spiritual refuge in a bustling urban environment. Nearby landmarks include Goldsmiths’ Hall, adding to the area’s rich heritage character.Legacy and Cultural Significance
St Vedast alias Foster embodies the resilience of London’s ecclesiastical architecture, having survived fire, war, and urban change. Its dedication to a lesser-known saint reflects the city’s medieval multicultural links, while its Wren and Hawksmoor connections place it firmly within London’s architectural golden age. The church remains an active parish, blending historical legacy with contemporary worship in the City’s dynamic core.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Borough Yards
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
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
- Photowalk
- 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
