St Mary-le-Bow Church - London

David ?. C.

St Mary-le-Bow is a historic church located in the City of London on Cheapside, one of the city's oldest and most important streets. Here's a detailed overview of this iconic church:

## History

St Mary-le-Bow was founded around 1080 by Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, who accompanied William the Conqueror[1][4]. The church was part of a Norman building project that included St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, asserting Norman authority over the city[1].

The church's name "le-Bow" comes from the Old English word "boga," meaning "arch" or "bow," referring to the distinctive Norman arches in its architecture[1].

## Architecture

The current church building is primarily the work of Sir Christopher Wren, who rebuilt it after the Great Fire of London in 1666[1][3]. Wren's design features:

- A tall spire, making it the third highest of any Wren church in London[5]
- A tower constructed of Portland stone with four stages and an elaborate stone spire[5]
- A unique plan with the nave and sanctuary running parallel to Cheapside[2]

The church also has a historic crypt, dating back to the 11th century, which survived multiple collapses and rebuildings[6].

## Famous Bells

St Mary-le-Bow is renowned for its bells, which play a significant role in London's history and culture:

- The bells define who is a true Londoner or "Cockney" - traditionally, one must be born within the sound of Bow Bells[1]
- In medieval times, the church's single "curfew" bell indicated the end of the working day in the City[3]
- The nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons" references the bells of St Mary-le-Bow[13]

## Recent History

The church was severely damaged during the Blitz in World War II, with the bells crashing down in 1941[3]. It was rebuilt between 1956-1964 by Laurence King, closely following Wren's original design[2]. The bells were restored in 1961 and inaugurated by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh[3].

## Current Use

Today, St Mary-le-Bow serves as:

- An active place of worship with daily services[11]
- A venue for lectures and debates on various topics[1]
- A popular tourist attraction in the City of London
- Home to a café in its historic crypt[2]

The church is open to visitors Monday to Friday, typically from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM[12].

St Mary-le-Bow remains an important landmark in London, combining rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance.

some intriguing hidden anecdotes about St Mary-le-Bow church:

1. In 1091, a violent storm blew the roof off the church. Six rafters, each 27-28 feet long (about 8-8.5 meters), were driven so deep into the ground that only about one-seventh of their length remained above ground. They were so deeply embedded that they couldn't be pulled out and had to be cut off at ground level.

2. In 1196, William Fitz Osbert took sanctuary in the church but was forced out by fire. This incident illustrates the church's role as a place of sanctuary in medieval times.

3. In 1284, a murder suspect named Laurence Ducket sought refuge in the church but was lynched by a mob. As punishment for this violation of sanctuary, 16 men were hanged and one woman was burned at the stake.

4. In 1331, a balcony collapsed during a jousting tournament, causing Queen Philippa and her attendants to fall into the street. Christopher Wren later commemorated this event by installing an iron balcony on the tower.

5. During the reign of Mary I, the church gained notoriety as a site where Protestants were burned at the stake.

These hidden stories showcase the long history of St Mary-le-Bow and the various events it has witnessed at the heart of the City of London.

The G. F.

A small but beautiful church in the east end of London. It’s said if you lived where you could hear these church bells you were considered a true cockney. There is also a statue of John Smith outside.

Christopher J. K.

The Church of Bow bells.
A beautiful church. One of Wrenn's post Great Fire of London restorations.
A complete history is on the website.
The church is a place of peace and quiet in a busy day.
Opening times are on the website.
Of note is the Norwegian chapel which records the endurance of the Scandinavian countries during the war and the Bow Bells signal played by the BBC world service during the war

David G.

The Bells were recast in 1956 after they were destroyed in an air raid in 1941 and sounded fir the first time the day I was born in Guys Hospital. Mum said I was a true Londoner because we could hear the sound of the bells ringing. I visit the church every year on my birthday. I'm 64 now.

Mudlark1666

JOHN MILTON
Was BORN BREAD-STREET.on FRIDAY the the day of DECEMBER 1608.and was BAPTISED In the PARISH-CHURCH ALL-HALLOWS BREAD STREET TUESDAY, the 20th day of DECEMBER 1608.

THIS TABLET WAS PLACED ON THE CHURCH OF ALL HALLOWS BREAD STREET

THE CHEAPSIDE CROSS OR ELEANOR CROSS STOOD IN THE MIDDLE OF CHEAPSIDE, CLOSE TO WOOD STREET. VISIBLE. FROM THIS PLACE ERECTED 1291-94, IT MARKED THE RESTING-PLACE OF THE FUNERAL PROCESSION TO WESTMINSTER ABBEY.OF QUEEN-ELEANOR CASTILE WIFE OF KING EDWARD-I
IT WAS DESTROYED IN 1643
An in-depth video of the Churchyard is available on YouTube,..
youtube.com/@mudlark1666

macedonboy

One of the many churches that were destroyed during the Great Fire of London. This is another of the restored churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Much of the architecture showcase Wrens signature designs and features. The main thing that's obviously not are the stained glass, which along with much of the church were destroyed (again) during World War Two. The stained glass have a much more modern, fantastic design. Worth a small detour if in the area.

Peter R.

Didn’t get full chance to look inside so this is part review. The foyer was captivating snd there is clearly a lot of activity here. When I went the outer hall felt lonely and sparse.

TheMiCk G.

It does not , it does not define a cockney, as the church is irrelevant . What matters is being born of the poorer classes within the city walls of London , so say Clerkenwell is not, and Whitechapel is not cockney . St Paul’s obviously for example is, as is Chancery Lane , which is quite a way from Cheapside . It’s what used to be referred to as old wives’ tales. It’s not history . It’s fancy . I am speaking as an ancient family of official london historian and guides . If you were born in a hospital it would probably have to be St. Bartholemew’s - not St Thomas’s . It’s just the city walls that defines what is cockney . Not bells . If the wind is blowing in the right direction that could mean Highgate when the area was fields . It’s wrong .