St Mary Bothaw, Medieval church building in Walbrook ward, City of London, England
St Mary Bothaw was a medieval church situated where Cannon Street and Dowgate Hill met, standing close to the River Thames in London's old heart. The building was part of a dense network of churches that shaped religious life for local communities.
The church emerged in the 10th century as part of the city's religious framework. It endured until the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed the structure and led to its materials being reused in the rebuilding of other churches.
The name reflects the site's connection to London's river trade and waterfront life, showing how the church served a community tied to maritime work. This waterside location shaped the identity and daily rhythms of the parish over many centuries.
The site now lies buried beneath Cannon Street Railway Station and is not accessible as a physical location. Visitors interested in this history can explore the surrounding area and nearby museums that hold records and artifacts from this period.
The name originated from Old English 'boet-haw', meaning boat shed or landing place for vessels. This naming reveals how deeply the church was woven into the daily lives and economic activities of riverside workers and traders.
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