Was this church always here? Right before you stands St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate a survivor of London’s tumultuous past. Its story stretches back centuries. Some believe Christian worship occurred here even in Roman times. But the first written record dates to 1212. Imagine the lives that unfolded within these walls.
St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate takes its name from the Bishop’s Gate in London’s old wall. It was one of four medieval London churches dedicated to Saint Botolph a 7th-century East Anglian saint. Each church stood near a city gate. This placement reflected Botolph’s growing status as patron saint of boundaries trade and travel. He was particularly revered by travelers before the legend of St Christopher gained popularity.
The church narrowly escaped the Great Fire of 1666. A testament to its resilience. Yet by 1723 it was deemed irreparable. The parishioners secured an Act of Parliament. They rebuilt the church between 1724 and 1729. This time they uncovered the foundations of the original Anglo-Saxon church. A fascinating glimpse into the distant past. The architect cleverly positioned the tower at the east end. Its ground floor forms the chancel. The east end and tower are stone-faced while the rest is brick.
Within St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate’s walls lie countless stories. In around 1307 the Knights Templar faced an inquisition here. Accusations of corruption hung heavy in the air. In 1413 a female hermit lived here supported by a pension from the Sheriff. The church also served as a baptismal site for notable figures. Edward Alleyn founder of Dulwich College was baptized here in 1566. The poet John Keats was baptized here in 1795. Emilia Lanier possibly the first Englishwoman to become a professional poet was also baptized here. She later married in the church in 1592. Mary Wollstonecraft author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman was baptized here in 1759.
The churchyard of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate holds a secret. The infant son of playwright Ben Jonson is buried there. The church hall adjacent is a former livery hall of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. It’s a beautiful classical building with niches that once held painted figures of charity children.
St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate continues its journey. It survived war damage and the 1993 Bishopsgate bombing. It stands as a quiet witness to London’s history. A place of worship for centuries. A reminder of faith resilience and the enduring spirit of London itself. Remember this church when you leave this place.