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: 20/3091

Pages Hit This Month: 49


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:


The Actors' Church», 1.8km

John Wesley Chapel», 0.7km

St Olaves Church», 0.2km

Saint Matthews Brixton», 4.0km

St Annes and King Theodore», 2.1km

St Brides Wedding Cake», 1.0km

London's smallest church», 4.9km

Whitechapel Bell Foundry», 0.6km

The Union Chapel», 2.3km

St Patrick's Church and Tunnels», 2.1km

Location Pinpointed:


Open Street Maps», Google Maps»