St George Botolph Lane

St George Botolph Lane was a Wren church in the City of London, standing near Eastcheap and Pudding Lane. First recorded in the 12th century, it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 by Sir Christopher Wren’s office. The church overlooked Pudding Lane, where the fire began. It was demolished in 1904, leaving only a few traces. The site is now covered by Farryner House. A parish boundary mark remains on Fish Street Hill. The churchyard gates survive in Lovat Lane. The church was dedicated to St George of Cappadocia, England’s patron saint. It was the only City church with this dedication. The parish once included St Botolph Billingsgate, another church destroyed in the fire. After the fire, the rebuilt church stood on a raised platform to level the sloping site. It measured 54 feet by 36 feet inside, with a square tower and round-headed windows. The nave had an arched ceiling with panelled walls and an oak reredos. The church’s most famous figure was William Beckford, twice Lord Mayor. His sword rest, now in St Mary-at-Hill, honours his service. By the late 19th century, the church had decayed near Billingsgate fish market. The last service was held in 1890, and the site was cleared in 1904. Some fittings were moved to other churches, including the pulpit to Southall. The sword rests, plate, and organ went to St Mary-at-Hill.