St Margaret Lothbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Margaret Lothbury |
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Exterior photo of St Margaret Lothbury
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| Location | City of London |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Margaret of Antioch |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Architect(s) | Sir Christopher Wren |
| Style | Baroque |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | London |
St Margaret Lothbury is a historic Church of England church in the City of London. It stands on a street called Lothbury. This church has been a part of London's history since the 1100s.
The original church was sadly destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. After the fire, it was rebuilt by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and his team. Today, St Margaret Lothbury is still an active church. It also serves as the official church for several important groups in London. These include five Livery Companies, two Ward Clubs, and two Professional Institutes. Many local finance companies also hold special services here each year.
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History of St Margaret Lothbury
The first time St Margaret Lothbury was mentioned in records was in 1185. For a long time, the church was supported by the abbess and nuns of Barking Abbey in Essex. This continued until the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries and convents. After that, the church's support went to the Crown (the King or Queen).
Rebuilding the Church
The church was rebuilt in 1440. Much of the cost was paid by Robert Large. He was the Lord Mayor of London that year. Robert Large is also remembered as the master of William Caxton. Caxton later became famous for bringing the printing press to England.
Sadly, like many churches in London, St Margaret Lothbury was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The fire caused huge damage across the city. The church was then rebuilt by Christopher Wren and his team. This work took place between 1686 and 1690.
In 1781, another church called St Christopher le Stocks was taken down. This happened to make space for an expansion of the Bank of England. The people who belonged to St Christopher le Stocks then joined the parish of St Margaret Lothbury.
Inside the Church
The inside of St Margaret Lothbury is very special. It has beautiful wooden carvings from the 1600s. These carvings came from other churches designed by Wren that were later taken down.
Special Woodwork and Art
Some of the best pieces include the reredos (the screen behind the altar), the communion rails, and the baptismal font. Many people believe these were carved by a very skilled artist named Grinling Gibbons. They likely came from a church called St Olave, Old Jewry.
The church also has a special sounding board above the pulpit. There is also a rood screen (a screen separating the nave from the chancel). These pieces came from another church called All-Hallows-the-Great.
Two large paintings of Moses and Aaron stand on either side of the main altar. These paintings came from St Christopher le Stocks when it was demolished in 1781.
The Organ
The church's organ was built in 1801 by George Pike England. It was carefully restored in 1984. The organ still stands in its original case. It also has almost all of its original pipes, which is quite rare!
St Margaret Lothbury was officially named a Grade I listed building on January 4, 1950. This means it is a very important historic building that needs to be protected.
See also
