St Faith under St Paul's

St Faith under St Paul's is a medieval church now situated beneath the cathedral, featuring stone walls and vaulted ceilings with architectural elements from multiple construction periods. The space was modified during the cathedral's eastward expansion and is now integrated as part of its lower levels.

The original church predated 1250 and was demolished to make way for St Paul's Cathedral's eastward expansion, after which services moved to the crypt. Following the Great Fire of 1666, the parish merged with St Augustine Watling Street, fundamentally reshaping the area's religious organization.

The name honors Saint Faith, an early martyr whose devotion shaped the local community for centuries. Visitors can still see the chapel where local booksellers from nearby Paternoster Row gathered for worship and spiritual reflection.

Accessing the church requires coordination with St Paul's Cathedral staff, as the space now forms part of the cathedral's lower levels. Visitors should check availability beforehand, since the area may not be open at all times and advance notice helps with planning.

The chapel held a special connection to the printing and bookselling world, giving it significance far beyond that of an ordinary parish church. This link to London's literary and printing culture made it a distinct hub for the city's intellectual circles.