Amen Corner, London facts for kids
Amen Corner is a small street in the City of London. It is located near St. Paul's Cathedral, between Old Bailey and Paternoster Square. This historic street is just off Ave Maria Lane.
Contents
History of Amen Corner
How Amen Corner Got Its Name
The name "Amen Corner" has a special history. Long ago, monks would walk in a procession to St. Paul's Cathedral. This happened on the feast day of Corpus Christi, a Christian celebration.
The monks started their walk from Paternoster Row. As they walked, they chanted the Lord's Prayer. The first words of this prayer in Latin are Pater noster.
They would finish the prayer with the word 'amen' as they turned the corner into Ave Maria Lane. After turning, they would begin chanting the Hail Mary, which starts with Ave Maria in Latin. This is how the street got its unique name.
Past Significance
For many years, Amen Corner was home to the Royal College of Physicians. This was an important place for doctors and medical studies. However, the building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. This huge fire caused a lot of damage across the city.
Amen Corner Today
Today, Amen Corner is a short street that leads to Amen Court. This court has a row of old houses built in the 1600s. These houses are where the canons of the cathedral live. Canons are special priests who work at the cathedral.
Important Meetings Held Here
Amen Corner has also been a place for important historical events. In 1958, the very first meeting of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament took place here. This group works to stop the use of nuclear weapons.
The meeting was held at the home of the group's founder, John Collins. Important politicians from the Labour Party were also there. These included Michael Foot and Denis Healey.
Other Amen Corners
Did you know there is another place called Amen Corner? It is in Tooting, a part of south London. This Amen Corner is where the A217 road meets Rectory Lane and Southcroft Road.
See Also
- Paternoster Row
- Ave Maria Lane
