Gazing up at All Hallows by-the-Tower is like stepping back in time. This isn’t just another London church. This is a place where history whispers from every stone. All Hallows is the oldest church in the City of London. It was founded in 675 AD.
Imagine Bishop Erkenwald establishing a chapel. It was connected to Barking Abbey. For centuries, it was even known as All Hallows Barking. Eight London churches have carried the name All Hallows. It is an ancient form of All Saints. The feast day honors Christian martyrs.
All Hallows stands proudly near the Tower of London. It is three hundred years older than its famous neighbor. A Roman house once stood here in the second century AD. You can still see remnants of that ancient flooring in the undercroft.
Step inside All Hallows and discover its secrets. The undercroft chapel boasts an altar. Knights Templar brought its bricks from Richard I’s Castle Athlit in Palestine. The Templar cross is carved right into it. In 1311, Knights Templar accused of heresy were held here. They awaited trial within these very walls.
John Stowe described All Hallows in 1598. He called it “the fair parish church called All Hallows Barking”. He noted its large cemetery. He dispelled the legend of Richard I’s heart being buried here.
Many executed at Tower Hill found their final resting place at All Hallows. Cardinal John Fisher was beheaded by Henry VIII. His body was unceremoniously buried in the churchyard. Archbishop William Laud was also buried here. Later, his body was moved to Oxford.
In 1649, disaster struck near All Hallows. An explosion rocked Tower Street. Gunpowder in a ship chandler’s house ignited. Sixty-seven people died. The church suffered heavy damage. Windows shattered and the tower weakened. The tower was rebuilt in red brick in 1659. It is the only church tower in the City of London from the Cromwellian era.
All Hallows narrowly escaped the Great Fire of London in 1666. Admiral William Penn ordered firebreaks. His actions saved the church. Samuel Pepys watched the blaze from All Hallows’ tower. He called it “the saddest sight of desolation”.
German bombs heavily damaged All Hallows during World War II. Only the tower and walls remained standing. It was rebuilt and rededicated in 1957. Revd “Tubby” Clayton spearheaded the reconstruction.
Today, All Hallows welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Saxon arch still stands. It is a testament to the church’s ancient origins. The crypt museum displays Roman pavement and historical items. Look for the marriage register entry of John Quincy Adams.
All Hallows is more than just a building. It is a living testament to London’s enduring spirit. Its walls have witnessed triumph and tragedy. Its stones echo with centuries of prayers and memories. Take a moment to reflect on the stories held within All Hallows.