St Mary Somerset, Grade I listed former church tower in City of London, England
Description
St Mary Somerset is a Grade I listed church tower standing on Upper Thames Street, featuring Portland stone windows and decorative pinnacles that define its English Baroque style. The structure now sits isolated on a traffic island surrounded by a small garden.
History
The original church was first recorded in the 12th century and was destroyed during the Great Fire of 1666, then rebuilt by architect Christopher Wren starting in 1686. The tower survived the later demolition of the main structure in 1871.
Culture
The Brabant weaver community gathered at the church grounds to find work and meet together, especially during times of tension with Flemish weavers in the area. This location served as an important hub for these craftsmen in the medieval city.
Practical
The tower is easy to spot from Upper Thames Street and sits in a central traffic area within the busy district. Visitors should expect surrounding traffic and street activity that may make photography and peaceful viewing challenging.
Did you know?
The tower was preserved in 1871 at the request of architect Ewan Christian when the main building was demolished. This unusual decision allowed this remnant of Wren's original design to survive more than a century longer than the rest of the structure.
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