St Andrews

Tucked away amidst the towering giants of London’s financial district, St Andrew Undershaft stands as a testament to time. It’s a survivor. St Andrew Undershaft has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries, a silent observer of London’s ever-changing skyline. This unassuming church, nestled beside the iconic Lloyds Building and dwarfed by the Gherkin, often goes unnoticed. But for those who seek it out, St Andrew Undershaft offers a glimpse into a London long past. The church’s peculiar name, “Undershaft,” speaks to a forgotten tradition. Before street addresses, descriptive names helped Londoners navigate their city. St Andrew Undershaft earned its moniker from a towering maypole, a “shaft” taller than the church itself, which once stood proudly beside it. Every spring, this maypole was erected, a symbol of celebration and revelry, until the Ill May Day Riots of 1517 brought the tradition to a halt. The maypole was eventually destroyed, deemed a “heathen idol,” but its memory lives on in the name of the church. The current St Andrew Undershaft dates back to the early 1500s. Remarkably, it survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, making it a rare example of a complete medieval church in the city. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Intricate 17th-century wood carvings adorn the walls. Medieval roof bosses bear the insignia of Henry VIII. A memorial to Hans Holbein the Younger, Henry VIII’s court painter, graces the interior. Even the font has a story to tell, crafted by Nicholas Stone, master mason to James I and Charles I. And the organ? Installed in 1696, it’s a Grade I listed instrument, its melodies echoing through centuries of history. St Andrew Undershaft bears the scars of a more recent tragedy. In 1992, an IRA bomb targeted the nearby Baltic Exchange, causing extensive damage to the surrounding area. The church lost a magnificent 17th-century window depicting English monarchs, a poignant reminder of the fragility of history. But St Andrew Undershaft endured. Buried within its walls lies John Stow, author of the “Survey of London,” the first accurate written survey of the city. Stow’s memorial, featuring him holding a quill, is a focal point. Every three years, in a unique London tradition, the Lord Mayor oversees a ceremony where the quill is replaced, a tribute to the man who meticulously documented London’s past. St Andrew Undershaft, a hidden gem in the heart of London, invites you to step back in time and uncover the layers of history etched within its walls. It’s a place where the echoes of maypole celebrations mingle with the somber tones of wartime resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of London and its hidden stories.