“Built 1403 Demolished 1874”. These stark words tell a silent story. This is the story of St Martin Outwich. We stand here at 39 Threadneedle Street. This location was once home to a medieval church.
Let’s journey back to the 14th century. The Oteswich family funded a new church. Some say the name “Outwich” came from a corruption of “Oteswich”. Others believe “Outwich” meant the outer side of the town. Regardless, St Martin Outwich was born.
The church survived the Great Fire of 1666. But a fire in 1765 damaged it badly. About 50 houses were also destroyed.
Parliament passed an act in 1796. It allowed the parish to raise money for rebuilding. City livery companies donated to the cause. After two years, the new church was consecrated in 1798.
Samuel Pepys Cockerell designed the rebuilt St Martin Outwich. It had an unusual oval interior. Medieval stained glass adorned a window above the altar. Monuments from the old church were moved to the new one. One commemorated John Oteswich and his wife.
An 1838 painting reveals a curved interior. High semi-circular windows let in light. Intricate medieval monuments stood within. Closed-in box pews lined the space.
Sadly, the church faced challenges. The population fell. Pressure grew to widen the streets. St Martin Outwich was eventually demolished in 1874. The parish joined St Helen’s Bishopsgate.
Monuments from St Martin Outwich were moved to St Helen’s. This included the Oteswich memorial. The remains of those buried were reburied. They now rest in the City of London Cemetery. A memorial marks the spot.
Proceeds from the church grounds’ sale funded a new church. Holy Trinity Church in Dalston was built. Ewan Christian designed it in the late 1870s. It is known as the Clown’s Church. The annual clown service is held there.
Today, a blue plaque marks the spot where St Martin Outwich once stood. A parish boundary marker can be found in White Lion Court. It is just around the corner off Cornhill. These are the tangible reminders of St Martin Outwich.
So, remember St Martin Outwich. It stood here for centuries. It was a place of worship, a community hub, and a piece of London’s rich history.