All-Hallows-the-Great

All-Hallows-the-Great was a baroque church building along Upper Thames Street featuring rounded windows and thick stone walls that characterized medieval and post-fire London architecture. The structure included a bell tower and internal spaces designed for worship and community gatherings.

First documented in 1235, the church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 and rebuilt under Christopher Wren's direction from 1677 to 1684. Major alterations occurred in 1876 when the structure was partially demolished to allow for street widening.

The church served the German merchant community of the nearby Steelyard, creating a spiritual hub for traders and their families. It also housed a school, demonstrating its role in the neighborhood's education and daily life.

The site is no longer publicly accessible as the church closed in 1894, leaving only historical traces and archaeological remains along Upper Thames Street. Visitors interested in its history can explore the location on walking tours focused on post-fire London churches.

The church's interior contained fine furnishings including a rood screen that was relocated to St Margaret Lothbury after the building closed in 1894. This decorative element serves as a surviving artifact of the original church's craftsmanship.

Location: City of London

Architects: Christopher Wren

Architectural style: baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.51000,-0.09020

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04