St John the Baptist upon Walbrook

St John the Baptist upon Walbrook was a medieval church in the City of London that extended across four different city wards and served multiple parishes. The building occupied a significant position in the urban landscape and functioned as a major religious center for the surrounding population.

First documented in the 12th century, the church saw major renovations in the 15th and 17th centuries before being destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. This disaster reshaped the entire City of London and many buildings never returned to their original form.

The name recalls the Walbrook stream that once flowed beneath this part of the city and shaped the location. As a parish church, this site was where the local community gathered for major life events and kept records of who passed through their doors.

Only scattered traces of the building remain today, but memorial markers and plaques at different locations show where the structure once stood. Walking through the area helps visitors understand the medieval church layout and the impact of the fire on the city's layout.

The building was unusual because it stretched across four separate city wards instead of sitting entirely within one. This fragmented layout made it one of the most complex parishes in medieval London.

Location: City of London

GPS coordinates: 51.51000,-0.09194

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:25