Did you know that a church cat once famously survived the London Blitz? That cat’s name was Faith and her home was Saint Augustine’s Church. This remarkable church stood near St Paul’s Cathedral. Its story is one of resilience and loss.
Saint Augustine’s Church boasts a long and fascinating history. Records show its existence as far back as the 12th century. It stood proudly on Watling Street. This was a prominent thoroughfare in the City of London. The church was a beautiful structure. It underwent many renovations and expansions throughout the centuries.
The original medieval building unfortunately met a tragic end in the Great Fire of London in 1666. However its story didn’t end there. It was rebuilt. The renowned architect Christopher Wren designed the new structure. This magnificent building opened in 1683. The steeple however wasn’t completed until 1695. Saint Augustine’s was a testament to the enduring spirit of London.
The interior of Wren’s Saint Augustine’s was noteworthy. Corinthian columns graced its nave. The aisles were barrel vaulted. Skylights pierced the nave vault creating a dramatic play of light and shadow. The church also had galleries. It held a beautifully carved oak pulpit. This was later updated by Arthur Blomfield in 1878.
Sadly Saint Augustine’s met its second destruction. This time it was during the Second World War. Bombing in 1941 left the church in ruins. Though it was never fully rebuilt. Its tower was eventually restored. Today it stands incorporated into St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School. A lasting memorial to a church that once was.
And then there’s Faith. This courageous cat became a symbol of hope during the war. She and her kitten survived the bombing. They found refuge in the cellar. Faith’s story of loyalty and survival continues to inspire. Her devotion was rewarded with a silver medal. Her grave lies in the churchyard of St Paul’s Choir School. It’s marked with the words “Faith the cat who defied the London Blitz”. This remarkable feline’s legacy is interwoven with the history of Saint Augustine’s Church forever. So next time you visit St Paul’s Cathedral remember this story. Remember Saint Augustine’s Church. Remember Faith.