St Mary Woolnoth, Anglican church in City of London, England
St Mary Woolnoth is an Anglican church at the intersection of Lombard Street and King William Street, known for its distinctive black stone facade and two strong square towers. The building displays English Baroque details such as Corinthian columns and geometric patterns on its front.
Architect Nicholas Hawksmoor designed the current building between 1716 and 1727, after the original structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. This period marked a turning point in London architecture with a shift toward decorative Baroque styles.
The church's name comes from the medieval wool market that once occupied this site, reflecting the commercial history of the area. Today, office workers from nearby buildings use the lunchtime services, creating a place for quiet moments in the busy City.
The church welcomes visitors Monday through Friday, with regular lunchtime services that work well for nearby office workers. It is a small building that is easy to enter, but it can feel crowded during services.
The construction of the nearby Bank Underground station in 1900 required complex engineering work to support the church, ultimately leading to the sale of its crypt. This unusual event shows how modern infrastructure affected historical buildings.
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