Summary

St Bride’s is a parish church serving those living and working around the area. St Bride’s is based in Fleet Street and has strong connections with the printing and publishing industry – colloquially known as the Press. The site has so much history and is a fine example of Wren architecture.

St Bride’s history starts in the Roman Period shown by the Roman pavement dating back to around AD 180 that found in the crypt today. In 1205, the Curia Regis, a council of landowners and ecclesiastics (in effect, a predecessor of today’s Parliament) was held in St Bride’s. This was not the only royal connection – Queen Elizabeth II attended the rededication service and then returned on the church’s 50th anniversary of the service.

St Bride’s perished in the Great Fire and was restored by Sir Christopher Wren. St Bride’s was one of the first Wren Churches to be reopened. It also boasts the tallest steeple built by Wren.

Many famous writers have a connection to St Brides, including John Milton and Samuel Pepys.

The building was again destroyed during the Second World War with only the spire and the outer wall remaining. It was restored by Godfrey Allen, an authority on Wren, who studied the original plans. Incredible discoveries were found such as a Roman road that can still be found in the crypt, along with a museum that shows St Bride’s incredible history with artifacts from the 1st to the 20th century.

St Bride is a beautiful church inside and out with a stunning spire and an open bright interior. It remains one of London’s most historic sites to explore.

Information from:

OUR HISTORY

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-bride-city-london

https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=1590

St Bride’s Church