St Michael Wood Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Michael Wood Street |
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| Location | London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Christopher Wren |
| Style | Baroque |
| Demolished | 1897 |
St Michael's Wood Street was a very old church in the City of London. It was first mentioned way back in 1225. This church was located on Wood Street, a famous street in London. It was part of a local area called a parish in Cripplegate.
A long time ago, in 1513, King James IV of Scotland died in a big battle called the Battle of Flodden. His head was brought to London and buried quickly at St Michael's Wood Street. A famous historian named John Stow really liked the church. He even called it a "proper thing," which meant it was a very good building.
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The Great Fire and Rebuilding
The original St Michael's Wood Street church was sadly destroyed in the Great Fire of London. This huge fire happened in 1666 and burned down much of the city.
After the fire, the church was rebuilt. A very famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, designed the new church. It was finished in 1673. Wren designed many churches in London after the Great Fire.
Church Features
The church had a special musical instrument called an organ. This organ was built in 1800 by a person named Thomas Elliot. One of the most well-known organ players at the church was Dr Henry Hiles.
The Church's End
Over time, fewer people lived in the area around St Michael's Wood Street. By 1854, there were ideas to reduce the number of churches in the "Square Mile" of London. Even the church's own vicar (the priest in charge) thought this was a good idea.
The church was eventually taken down in 1897. This happened because of a special law called the Union of Benefices Act. When the church was demolished, many bodies that were buried in its churchyard were moved. They were reburied in a different place called Brookwood Cemetery.
What Happened to the Parish?
After St Michael's Wood Street was gone, its parish (the area it served) joined with another church's parish. This new parish was for St Alban, Wood Street.
Later, during World War II, St Alban Wood Street church was also destroyed. So, the parish joined with yet another church, St Vedast Foster Lane.
Today, the place where St Michael's Wood Street once stood has changed a lot. As of 2020, there is a modern office building on the site.
