St Martin Vintry

St Martin Vintry was a medieval parish church that once stood at the intersection of Queen Street and Upper Thames Street in the City of London. The building featured a nave approximately 21 feet (6 meters) wide, flanked by north and south aisles constructed from ragstone and chalk.

The church was founded in 1306 with financial support from Queen Margaret, who contributed funds specifically for the choir section. It remained an important place of worship in the Vintry Ward until its eventual destruction.

The Vintners Company maintained a dedicated altar in the church, showing how wine merchants shaped the spiritual life of their community. This altar served as a focal point for the guild's members to gather and honor their patron saint.

The site is now completely built over and not visible from the surface, but it lies beneath the modern urban landscape near Southwark Bridge. Visitors can explore the location from Upper Thames Street and Queen Street to understand its historical setting.

Seven human skeletons were uncovered during excavations in 1986, providing evidence that the church served as a burial ground. These remains offered valuable insights into the long history of burial practices at the site.

Location: City of London

GPS coordinates: 51.50920,-0.09194

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:47