St John Zachary, Medieval church site at Gresham Street, City of London, England.
St John Zachary is a public garden on Gresham Street in the City of London, situated where a medieval church once stood. The space features mature trees, seating areas, a lawn, and a fountain that provide respite from the surrounding office buildings.
First recorded in 1181, the church served the community for nearly 500 years until the Great Fire of London destroyed it in 1666. The site remained largely undeveloped afterward until the mid-20th century brought a transformation.
William Byngham, who served as vicar from 1424, established the first teacher training college in England while leading the congregation.
The garden is easily accessible from Gresham Street and offers open areas for sitting among the office crowds of the financial district. The space works well for a quick break or lunch stop during the working week.
After the fire destroyed the site, air raid watchers created a garden here in 1941 when the city was under bombardment. This improvised green space was later recognized for its contribution to the neighborhood.
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