St Augustine Watling Street, Anglican church in City of London, England
St Augustine Watling Street is an Anglican church in City of London whose tower was restored by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666 and is now integrated into St Paul's Cathedral Choir School. The building displays Wren's characteristic architectural style with refined proportions and craftsmanship.
The original medieval church was first documented in 1148 and measured approximately 61 feet in length. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and later rebuilt by Wren, though it suffered severe damage again during World War II bombing raids.
The church marked an important stopping point for travelers and pilgrims entering London along Watling Street after their journey from Canterbury. It served as a place where people acknowledged their arrival in the city and sought rest.
The remains of the church are located where the ancient Watling Street reached London, right next to St Paul's Cathedral. The site is easily accessible on foot and lies in the heart of City of London.
A church cat named Faith received a silver medal for protecting her kitten among the ruins during World War II bombing raids. This story of devotion was widely known at the time but has since faded from public memory.
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