St Thomas the Apostle, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Thomas the Apostle |
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Plaque marking the site of the church
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| Location | London |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Founded | 12th century |
| Architecture | |
| Demolished | 1666 |
St Thomas the Apostle was an old church in London, England. It stood on St Thomas Apostle Street in the City of London. This church was built a long time ago, in the 1100s. Sadly, a huge fire, called the Great Fire of London, destroyed it in 1666. The church was never built again after that fire.
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History of the Church
The church was connected to St Paul's Cathedral. Records from St Paul's show the church existed as early as 1181. A historian named John Stow wrote that the church might have been rebuilt in the late 1300s. He mentioned John Barnes, who was the Lord Mayor of London in 1371. Barnes was a big supporter of the church. You could see his family symbols in stone and glass there.
The Church During the Civil War
Before the English Civil War began, the people of St Thomas' church were very loyal to the King. In 1642, the church's leader, a rector named Cooper, was arrested. He was sent to prison in Leeds Castle because he supported the King.
The Great Fire and After
St Thomas' church was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. After the fire, a special law was passed to rebuild parts of London. A committee was set up, led by Sir Christopher Wren. They decided which buildings would be rebuilt. Fifty-one churches were chosen, but St Thomas the Apostle was not one of them.
Instead, the area where St Thomas' church was located joined with the nearby parish of St Mary Aldermary. Part of the old church site was used to create a new road called Queen Street. However, a small piece of the churchyard remained.
Today, a plaque marks the spot where the church once stood. You can find it on Great St Thomas Apostle Street, near Mansion House tube station.
Edmund Allen, who was a bishop and died in 1559, is believed to have been buried in this church.
Images for kids
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Plaque marking the site of the church
