St Andrew Undershaft


St Andrew Undershaft

The church that survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz.

Location: St Mary Axe, EC3A 8BN

Description: St Andrew Undershaft, dating from 1147, survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz.

The Grade I listed building had one of London largest stained-glass windows, installed in the 17th century, but sadly destroyed in the bombing of the Baltic Exchange in 1992.

The church's curious name depicts the shaft of the annual maypole traditionally set up opposite the church. The custom continued until 1517 when student riots put an end to it. The maypole itself survived until 1547 when it was seized by a mob and destroyed for being a pagan idol.

John Stow, author of the Survey of London, was buried here in 1605 - his monument features a quill pen that is renewed periodically.

Themes: ChurchChurch Theme
St Andrew Undershaft

The church that survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz.

Ranking This Month: 8/3087

Pages Hit This Month: 87


Your Comments:

Name:
Email:
Your email will ONLY be used once, to confirm the publication of your comments. We value your contribution and privacy.

Anti-spam Security: Please enter this code:


Other places nearby:


Watching for Bodysnatchers», 6.2km

Lily among the weeds», 2.8km

Hawksmoor's St George's Church», 1.8km

A History of differing Worship», 5.2km

The Church of the Good Shepherd», 4.1km

A Pyramid in Limehouse», 2.1km

How To Measure A Cockney?», 0.5km

Four Minute Mile in 18th Century», 0.9km

Whitechapel Bell Foundry», 0.6km

Paddington Green Church», 4.0km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»