How about a story of survival and rebirth? We are standing before St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe. This church has a story etched in its very stones. It is a story of resilience. It is a testament to London’s enduring spirit.
First recorded around 1170, St Andrew’s history stretches back centuries. The church was originally known as St Andrew juxta Baynard Castle. This was due to its location near the medieval fortress. In 1361, King Edward III moved his Royal Wardrobe nearby. The church then acquired its distinctive name “by-the-Wardrobe.” This wardrobe was a storehouse for royal items. It housed arms and clothing.
Tragedy struck in 1666. The Great Fire of London consumed both the Wardrobe and St Andrew’s. But from the ashes rose a new St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe. Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt it between 1685 and 1693. Of Wren’s many City churches, St Andrew’s was his last. It was also his least expensive, costing £7,060 16s 11d. Funds came from the coal tax. This tax helped post-fire reconstruction.
The church faced destruction again during the London Blitz in World War II. German bombs gutted St Andrew’s. Only the tower and walls remained standing. However, St Andrew’s was meticulously reconstructed. This happened between 1959 and 1961. Marshall Sisson followed Wren’s original designs.
Look closely at the interior. Notice the oak paneling and furnishings. Many features came from other Wren churches destroyed in the war. The pulpit and font are from St Matthew Friday Street. The royal arms are from St Olave Old Jewry. The weathervane came from St Michael Bassishaw.
Also, admire the figures in the sanctuary. There is a figure of St Andrew dated around 1600. There is also a figure of St Ann. She holds the Virgin Mary who holds the infant Jesus. This statue dates to around 1500.
St Andrew’s boasts a connection to William Shakespeare. The playwright lived in the parish for fifteen years. He worked at the nearby Blackfriars Theatre. Shakespeare even bought a house in Ireland Yard. A memorial to Shakespeare stands in the church.
St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe stands as a symbol of continuity. It has survived fire and war. It has been rebuilt and rededicated. Today, St Andrew’s is a place of worship. It is a spiritual focus for many. It is a reminder of London’s rich and complex past. Its acoustic qualities also make it ideal for recitals and lectures. This is a place where history and community intertwine.