All Hallows-on-the-Wall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Hallows-on-the-Wall |
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| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Architect(s) | George Dance the Younger |
| Years built | 1767 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | London |
All Hallows-on-the-Wall is a historic Church of England church in the City of London. Its name tells you where it is: right next to the old London Wall. This was a big wall that used to protect the city.
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What is All Hallows Used For Now?
Since 2014, All Hallows has been the main office for XLP. This is a charity that helps young people in city areas. XLP works to create good futures for young people. They help with problems like bullying and gangs. They also offer activities for kids who might be bored.
The church is often used for XLP events. Even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited the church for these events.
City Gates Church, London, also meets here. It is a Christian group that holds services every week. They meet at 11 am on Sundays. This was the first time regular services happened here since 1941.
City Gates Church continues the church's tradition of helping people. They have projects like the Better Job Project. They also offer English Conversation Classes. Plus, they host live music nights and other events.
A Look Back: The Church's History
The church you see today was built in 1767. It was designed by George Dance the Younger. This new church replaced a much older one. The first church was built around the early 1100s. It stood on a strong part of the old Roman wall.
This older church was known for its hermits. These were people who lived alone in small rooms inside the church. They spent their lives in prayer.
The church was lucky during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was saved because of its spot under the wall. But after the fire, it became very run down.
Who Built the Church?
George Dance the Younger rebuilt the church when he was only 24. He had just come back from Italy. There, he studied many old Classical buildings.
The new All Hallows church was very simple. It had no side aisles. Inside, it has a rounded ceiling called a barrel-vault. At the far end, there is a half-dome shape. Its decorations were inspired by an ancient temple in Rome.
Helping the Community
The church was famous for helping poor people. Many workers, especially women, came into the City early. They did this to avoid high train fares. They needed services and a place to rest.
The vicar, or church leader, Reverend Sir Montague Fowler, started special services for them. He even set up tents in the churchyard for refreshments. This idea was very popular. It led to new buildings behind the church. These were used as an educational center.
Because of this, All Hallows had one of the biggest church groups in the City. This was at a time when many other city churches were becoming less busy.
Later Years and Restoration
All Hallows was damaged during the Second World War. But it was repaired in the early 1960s. It is a special "guild church." This means it has a link with the Worshipful Company of Carpenters. This group has held its yearly elections in the church for over 600 years.
For a long time, until 1994, it was the main office for the Council for the Care of Churches. This group looks after church buildings. After they moved out, the church was empty for two and a half years.
Then, in 1997, Christian Aid started using the building. Christian Aid is a charity that helps people in need. All Hallows became a busy place for Christian Aid. It focused on fairness, development, and peace. Other groups also used the church, like the Amos Trust and Greenbelt festivals.
The church was named a Grade I listed building in 1950. This means it is a very important historic building.
People Connected to All Hallows
- Robert Woodford was a lawyer. He wrote a famous diary from 1637 to 1641. He got married at All Hallows in 1635.
- Samuel John Stone was the Rector (leader) of All Hallows until 1900.
See Also
