All Hallows Staining, Medieval church tower in City of London, England
All Hallows Staining is a medieval church tower standing at the intersection of Mark Lane and Dunster Court with Gothic architectural features and crenellated stonework. The structure is enclosed within an iron fence near Fenchurch Street station and remains visible from the surrounding streets through the railings.
The tower was constructed around 1320 and survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, but collapsed in 1671 due to weakened foundations from numerous burials beneath the floor. This collapse marked the end of the original church, though partial remains and the tower survived to the present day.
The name 'Staining' comes from an old English word meaning stone church, which set this place apart from other wooden All Hallows churches in London. This distinction remains visible in the solid construction that catches your eye when you approach the site.
The tower stands in an open location and can be viewed from the street through the surrounding railings, offering clear views of the stonework from multiple angles. Its position near Fenchurch Street station makes it easy to reach on foot from various parts of the city center.
Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth I, donated bell ropes to this place after its bells provided comfort to her during her imprisonment in the Tower of London. This personal connection between one of London's most famous locations and this memorial is often overlooked by visitors passing by.
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