St Mary Abchurch

St Mary Abchurch stands in the City of London, a short walk from Cannon Street station. It is a Church of England church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, first recorded in 1198–1199. The medieval building was lost in the Great Fire of 1666 and replaced by the present structure. Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt it between 1681 and 1686, though on a smaller scale than originally planned. A bomb damaged the church during the London Blitz in 1940, but it was repaired and restored by 1953. The church is Grade I listed, recognising its national importance. The interior is notable for its painted cupola ceiling, completed in 1708 by William Snow. The decoration includes a golden glow with Hebrew letters, a choir of angels, and eight seated female figures in monochrome. Grinling Gibbons carved the grand altar-piece, and the pulpit is by William Grey. The church also holds the remains of Peter Perchard, a former Lord Mayor of London, and his family. The organ casing dates from 1717, though the current instrument was rebuilt after war damage. The tower has a 51-foot-high brick structure with a leaded spire. Visitors find a quiet interior with high box pews on three sides and original door cases by William Emmett. The reredos and weathervane feature the Pelican in her piety, the emblem of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. The church’s red brick exterior with stone dressings contrasts with the elaborate interior. The cupola spans more than forty feet without external supports, creating an open feel. The surroundings are urban yet peaceful, with no grand forecourt to distract from the building itself. The atmosphere remains one of restrained elegance, typical of Wren’s city churches.