St Antholin, Budge Row, Medieval church building in City of London, England
St Antholin was a medieval church distinguished by an octagonal stone spire that rose prominently above the City's roofline. The structure featured horizontal ribs and openings at its foundation, creating a distinctive profile typical of London's classical church architecture.
First recorded in 1119, the church stood through medieval centuries until the Great Fire of London destroyed it in 1666. Christopher Wren oversaw its reconstruction from 1678 to 1684, returning it to the City's religious landscape.
The church served as a center for theological debate, where morning lectures drew large crowds seeking spiritual instruction. It held special significance for the merchants and workers of the City who gathered there for worship.
The site sits in central City of London, easily reached by visitors exploring the area's other historic landmarks. Information about the church's history is available through local archives and guided walks that focus on Wren's post-fire rebuilding projects.
An intriguing chapter in its architecture involves the spire that was removed in 1829. That octagonal tower section now stands at Round Hill House in Sydenham, having been purchased by a London printer who recognized its historic value.
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