St Lawrence Jewry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall |
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St Lawrence Jewry from the south-east
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| Location | London, EC2 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Lawrence |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Architect(s) | Christopher Wren |
| Style | Baroque |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | London |
St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall is a special church in the City of London. It's a Church of England church located right next to the famous Guildhall on Gresham Street. This church was sadly destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. But it was beautifully rebuilt by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren. Today, it serves as the official church for the Lord Mayor of London.
Contents
Exploring the History of St Lawrence Jewry
Early Beginnings: The Medieval Church
The first church on this spot was built way back in the 1100s. It was named after Saint Lawrence. You can still see a weathervane on the current church shaped like a gridiron. This is a symbol of how Saint Lawrence was martyred.
The church is also close to where Jewish people lived in medieval times. This area was called the Old Jewry. From 1280, Balliol College, Oxford had the right to choose the church's priest.
Some people think the church's unusual position might be because it was built on top of an old Roman amphitheatre. This ancient site was only found in 1988. You can visit its remains under the Guildhall Art Gallery today.
Sir Thomas More, a very important historical figure, used to preach in the old church here.
The 1600s: Fire and Rebuilding
In 1618, the medieval church was repaired. All its windows were filled with colourful stained glass. Different people paid for these beautiful windows.
However, the old church was completely destroyed in the terrible Great Fire of London in 1666. Sir Christopher Wren then designed the new church. It was built between 1670 and 1677. The nearby church of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street was not rebuilt, so its parish joined with St Lawrence Jewry.
The church is made entirely of stone. Its front, facing east, is very grand. It has four large columns supporting a triangular shape called a pediment. Inside, Wren's church has an aisle only on its north side. This aisle is separated from the main area by more columns. The ceiling has sunken panels decorated with wreaths. The church is about 25 metres long and 21 metres wide.
The 1900s: Damage and Restoration
During the Blitz in World War II, on December 29, 1940, the church was badly damaged. After the war, the City of London Corporation decided to restore it. Balliol College did not have enough money to do this. The architect Cecil Brown restored the church in 1957. He made sure it looked just like Wren's original design.
Today, St Lawrence Jewry is a "guild church." This means it doesn't have its own local area or parish. It also doesn't have to hold regular Sunday services.
Sir John Betjeman, a famous writer, once called the church "very municipal, very splendid." It was given a Grade I listed building status on January 4, 1950. This means it's a very important historical building.
The church has eight bells that are used for change ringing. These bells were made in 1957.
Many important people have been connected to this church. John Tillotson, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury, was buried here. The church is also used by the New Zealand Society UK. They celebrate Waitangi Day here every February.
Images for kids
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St Lawrence Jewry from the south-east
See also
In Spanish: St. Lawrence Jewry para niños
