Consider the irony. All Hallows on the Wall is a church where the vicar once had to leave London to preach.
Welcome to All Hallows on the Wall. This historic church has a fascinating story to tell. It is a Grade I listed building. All Hallows stands as a testament to London’s rich past.
The original All Hallows was built around 1120. It was one of the few London churches to survive the Great Fire of 1666. But a century later, the medieval church was in poor condition. George Dance the Younger designed a new church. He was only 24 years old. Construction finished in 1765.
Dance drew inspiration from Italian classical design. He created a simple yet elegant space. The interior features a barrel-vaulted nave and a half-dome apse. Ionic columns support a frieze. The exterior is brick, with a stone-faced tower.
The church’s location is quite literal. The old Roman Wall of London runs directly under the north wall. This means All Hallows is truly on the wall. Traces of the Roman wall can still be seen in the churchyard today.
One quirky feature of All Hallows is its pulpit. It is tucked into the north wall. Legend says Dance forgot to include a pulpit in his original design. To reach it, the vicar had to exit through a door in the north wall. Then he would take an external passage and re-enter the church. He literally had to leave London to preach a sermon.
All Hallows suffered minor damage during the Blitz. It was also damaged by IRA bombs in 1993. Each time, restoration work preserved Dance’s design.
Inside All Hallows, you can find interesting memorials. One commemorates Yvon Thomas. He died of an apoplectic fit after receiving a large tax bill. Another plaque honors Edmond Hammond. He left money to support 150 pious uses.
Like other London churches, All Hallows has a Lord Mayor’s sword rest. It was used when the Lord Mayor worshiped at the church.
Today All Hallows is the headquarters of XLP Charity. This organization helps young people in London. The church also hosts City Gates Church. This congregation focuses on serving the needy.
As you explore All Hallows on the Wall, notice the bright white interior. Admire the 18th-century woodwork. Think about the church’s history and its ongoing mission to serve the community. All Hallows is not just a building. It is a place of history, resilience, and service.