“This is the Church’s treasure!” St Laurence Jewry echoes with the defiant words of its namesake. We stand before St Laurence Jewry, a beacon of history and resilience in the City of London. This isn’t just another church. It’s a story etched in stone, fire, and unwavering faith.
Originally built in the 12th century, St Laurence Jewry stood near the old Jewish ghetto. The “Jewry” in its name served to distinguish it from other churches dedicated to St. Lawrence. The first St Laurence Jewry was erected around 1136. The adjacent street named Old Jewry marks the location of the medieval Jewish community.
Who was St. Laurence? Lawrence was ordained a deacon and placed in charge of the administration of Church goods and care for the poor. For this duty, he is regarded as one of the first archivists and treasurers of the Church and was made the Patron Saint of librarians. The symbol of St. Lawrence is the gridiron. You’ll find it depicted in many parts of the church. Check out the weather vane.
Fire has been a defining element in the life of St Laurence Jewry. The Great Fire of London in 1666 consumed the medieval church. Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt it between 1670 and 1677. Wren’s creation became the most expensive of the City churches rebuilt after the fire, costing £11,870.
Wren designed St Laurence Jewry with a grand east front. Four Corinthian columns support a pediment. Inside, Corinthian columns divide the north aisle from the nave. The ceiling features sunken panels adorned with wreaths.
Fast forward to World War II. On December 29, 1940, the Blitz inflicted heavy damage on St Laurence Jewry. Only the tower and outer walls survived. But even amidst the rubble, worship continued. The Tower Chapel was constructed in the base of the tower. Services were held there throughout the war.
After the war, the City of London Corporation took over the patronage. The City restored St Laurence Jewry to Wren’s original design. Architect Cecil Brown oversaw the work, completed in 1957.
St Laurence Jewry holds a unique position today. It’s a guild church without its own parish. This means it doesn’t have regular Sunday services. Sir John Betjeman famously called it “very municipal, very splendid.” St Laurence Jewry received Grade I listed building status on January 4, 1950.
Listen closely, and you might hear the faint sound of bells. St Laurence Jewry has a ring of eight bells. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry cast them in 1957. The church has seen important figures pass through its doors. Sir Thomas More preached in the old church. John Tillotson, Archbishop of Canterbury, was buried here.
Today, St Laurence Jewry is a space for contemplation and remembrance. The New Zealand Society UK celebrates Waitangi Day here each February. Though much has changed over the centuries, the spirit of St Laurence Jewry endures. It’s a place where history whispers from the stones. It is a testament to London’s ability to rebuild and remember. So next time you’re near the Guildhall, take a moment to appreciate the story etched in the very fabric of St Laurence Jewry.