All Hallows Bread Street

All Hallows Bread Street was a parish church in the City of London. It stood on the corner of Bread Street and Watling Street. First recorded in the 13th century, it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 by Sir Christopher Wren’s office. The medieval church had a stone spire struck by lightning in 1559. A chapel on the south side, founded by Thomas Beaumont, was known as the Salter’s Chapel. The church closed briefly in 1551 after a fight between priests. Notable figures were connected with the church. John Milton was christened there in 1608. In 1555, the rector Laurence Saunders was burnt at the stake for Protestant beliefs. A weekly sermon funded by merchant Ellyot continued for centuries. After the Great Fire, Wren rebuilt the church between 1681 and 1684. The tower, completed later by Nicholas Hawksmoor, featured carved masks and obelisks. The rebuilt church had a plain interior with a single gallery for the organ. Its north front faced Watling Street with eight round-headed windows. The tower’s upper stage had arched openings with keystones. After the parish merged in 1876, the church was demolished in 1878. Some furnishings were moved to other churches, including the pulpit to St Vedast. The site now lies within Watling Court.