“Mary’s” might seem like just another name. But let me tell you a story of names and legacies intertwined with London’s history. In 1500, fifteen churches in the City of London honored a St Mary. St Mary was a popular figure. Churches were dedicated to Mary the Virgin and Mary Magdalene. But what about places named “Mary’s” like this restaurant?
Interestingly, there’s a tale of two similar names: St Mary Aldermary and St Mary Aldermanbury. “Aldermary” comes from “Older Mary” because that church was older. “Aldermanbury” means the fortified residence of the alderman. These subtle differences remind us that names often carry hidden stories.
Now, shift your focus. Imagine London’s landscape dotted with churches dedicated to St Mary. One notable example is St Mary-at-Lambeth. This church morphed into the Garden Museum. Its history stretches back to a wooden church built in 1062. Goda, sister of Edward the Confessor, built it.
Consider St Mary-at-Lambeth’s tower. Wenceslaus Hollar stood atop it to draw his panoramic views of London in 1647. That tower offers amazing views even today.
Another St Mary, St Mary Axe, gave its name to a street. It also named one of London’s most iconic buildings: The Gherkin, formally known as 30 St Mary Axe. The church was demolished in 1561. Yet its name lives on in a modern glass tower.
Think about St Mary Woolchurch Haw. Its name came from a weighing scale in the churchyard used for wool bales. “Haw” means yard in Old English. This church vanished in the Great Fire of 1666.
Even St Mary Abchurch holds secrets. It boasts beautiful carvings by Grinling Gibbons and a stunning painted ceiling. It is almost like a little Sistine Chapel.
So, as you dine here at Mary’s, remember the many St Marys of London. They echo through time. Each name carries layers of history and meaning. It’s a reminder that even the simplest name can hold a rich story.