Three shops stand where St Peter Cheap once thrived. This is St Peter Cheap churchyard. Its history stretches back to the twelfth century. A familiar landmark it stood at the southwest corner of Wood Street. City waits played on its roof during grand processions. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed it. The church was never rebuilt.
St Peter Cheap’s story is more than just bricks and mortar. It was a vital part of London’s civic and ecclesiastical life. The church lay on the north side of Cheapside. It was close to Cheapside Cross. This was a central point for public proclamations. It also witnessed many punishments and executions. Wealthy gold- and silversmiths lived nearby.
The parish of St Peter Cheap had a long association with the Goldsmiths’ Company. Their hall stood in Foster Lane. The company’s patron was St Dunstan. Edward III’s charter of 1327 stated that all licensed goldsmiths should have shops on Cheapside. This ensured the assay of precious metals could be controlled near the King’s Exchange.
The church’s history is full of fascinating individuals. Nicholas de Farndon’s chantry was established in 1361. He was a Warden of the Goldsmiths. He ensured the daily service at St Peter Cheap. Matilda Penne a successful businesswoman was buried there. She had her home and shop in Wood Street. John Boteler Sheriff of London in 1420 was also buried here.
Generous benefactors like Sir Edmund Shaa and Sir John Shaa left valuable bequests. Sir Edmund left money to ensure daily service. Thomas Wood another benefactor built beautiful houses and shops opposite St Peter Cheap. He was a prominent Goldsmith. He also may have been responsible for woodmen figures supporting the church’s roof.
The church’s wealth is evident in its 1431 inventory. This lists rich textiles silver-gilt vessels and many books. The church’s organ was repaired in 1433. Later rectors like Thomas Goodrich who became Bishop of Ely served the parish. Dr Richard Gwent had a significant role in Henry VIII’s reign. John Gwynneth a composer and Catholic polemicist was rector from 1534 to 1556.
The Reformation affected St Peter Cheap significantly. Chantries were dissolved. The Rood and some images were removed. Alderman Augustine Hynde a prominent Clothworker was buried there. His tomb survived even when others were removed. Queen Elizabeth I received a Bible in English as she passed the church door in 1559.
Richard Judson a rector from 1585 to 1615 even licensed the printing of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II. Daniel Votier a Puritan rector faced persecution by Bishop Laud. The Cheapside Cross was torn down as a symbol of superstition. Roger Drake a physician turned minister served the parish. He engaged in theological debates.
George Davenport and George Woodward were the last rectors of St Peter Cheap. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the church. The church was not rebuilt. The churchyard remains a public garden. Three gravestones and railings from 1712 survive. The great London plane tree still stands. William Wordsworth wrote about this tree in his poem The Reverie of Poor Susan. The churchyard’s quiet beauty speaks volumes about the rich history of St Peter Cheap.