A question for you: Have you ever wondered where London’s medieval milk market once stood? It is here that the story of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street, unfolds. This parish church was dedicated to Jesus’ companion Mary Magdalene.
Originally constructed in the 12th century, St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street, stood proudly on the east side of Milk Street. This street was once the heart of London’s milk market. John Stow described the area as having fair houses for wealthy merchants.
The first mention of St Mary Magdalene in foro Londoniarum was in 1162. It was later recorded as St Mary Magdalene, Milk Street, between 1203 and 1215. Stow noted in 1603 that it was a small church. However, it had recently been repaired. The church was updated further in 1619 and 1630.
Before the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, St Mary Magdalen was a Presbyterian stronghold. Thomas Case hosted Morning Exercises here in 1643. This special service prayed for those fighting in the Parliamentarian army. Case objected to the execution of Charles I. He was removed from his position in 1650. Thomas Vincent, his replacement, continued the Presbyterian tradition. However, he was also removed for failing to comply with the Act of Uniformity in 1662.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 brought devastation. St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street, was destroyed and never rebuilt. The parish was combined with St Lawrence Jewry. The City of London acquired the site. It was converted into Honey Lane Market. In 1835, the Corporation of London built the first City of London School on part of the site.
Much of the area was destroyed again during the Blitz on December 29, 1940. It was subsequently rebuilt but none of the original buildings survive today.
Sir Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor, was born in Milk Street in 1478. He was likely baptised at St Mary Magdalen. Francis Fletcher, a parish priest, joined Francis Drake’s circumnavigation in 1576. James Speight, father of feminist poet Rachel Speght, was also a priest here.
Many important Londoners were buried at St Mary Magdalen. Sir William Cantilo, a Mercer, was buried here in 1462. Several Lord Mayors of London were also laid to rest here. Henry Cantlow, a Mercer, built a chapel in the church. He was buried there in 1495. The church records contain the names of many City dignitaries.
Doctor Thomas Moundeford, physician to Arbella Stuart, lived on Milk Street. He and his wife Mary Moundeford were notable residents. The regicide Sir John Bourchier was interred in the church graveyard in 1660.
Today, nothing remains of St Mary Magdalen, Milk Street. However, its story lives on. It reminds us of London’s rich history. It also highlights the people who shaped this great city. Though the physical church is gone, its legacy remains in the records and memories of London.