St Peter, Westcheap

St Peter Westcheap is a church ruin at the corner of Wood Street and Cheapside in the heart of the City of London. Only the foundations and a marked site with an old plane tree remain from the original structure, identifying the location within the dense commercial surroundings.

The church was founded in the 12th century and was closely connected to St Albans Abbey. It was completely destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was never rebuilt afterward.

The name "Westcheap" refers to the western section of the medieval market, and the site sits today surrounded by office buildings that overlay the historical city. Visitors can see the old plane tree at the corner, which serves as a reminder of the former church and creates a quiet spot amid the busy street.

The site is freely accessible and sits directly on one of London's main business streets where many people pass by. It is best visited during business hours when the surroundings are active and the area is easy to spot.

Poet William Wordsworth used this location in his poem 'Poor Susan' as a symbol of the tension between London's urban character and human longing. The poem makes this hidden corner a literary landmark that many visitors overlook.

Location: City of London

GPS coordinates: 51.51440,-0.09490

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06