St Dunstan-in-the-East

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a medieval church ruin that has been transformed into a public garden in the City of London district. The preserved gothic arches, walls and Christopher Wren steeple form the frame for beds of ferns, climbing plants and small trees.

The first church on this spot dates back to around 1100, long before the Great Fire of London in 1666. After the Second World War, when bombing raids in 1941 destroyed the interior, the decision was made against rebuilding and to create a garden instead.

The name refers to Dunstan of Canterbury, an Anglo-Saxon saint and archbishop from the tenth century. Today, office workers from the City use the site as a quiet spot for their lunch break among the old walls.

Access is via narrow lanes from St Dunstan's Hill or Idol Lane, both a short walk from the Thames. The site is freely accessible during daylight hours and works well for a short rest during a walk through the City.

Wren's tower remained almost intact after the bombing raids, while the nave and chancel were completely destroyed. Today, ivy and other climbing plants grow directly through the empty window arches and cover large sections of the stone walls.

Location: City of London

Inception: 1698

Architects: Christopher Wren

Architectural style: Gothic Revival, Gothic architecture, Gothic Survival architecture

Address: St Dunstan's Hill, London, EC3R 5DD

Website: https://cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden

GPS coordinates: 51.50967,-0.08272

Latest update: December 18, 2025 10:19