Look up now. What do you see? It’s the magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling of St Mary Aldermary, a sight more reminiscent of a cathedral than a parish church.
St Mary Aldermary stands as a testament to London’s resilience. It showcases a unique blend of history and architectural styles. This church is not just a building. It is a living chronicle of faith and community.
Let’s journey back to the earliest days of St Mary Aldermary. Its origins trace back to the 11th century. It may be the oldest church in the City dedicated to St Mary. The name “Aldermary” itself hints at this ancient heritage. It means “Older Mary”. This suggests it was the first church in the area dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Over the centuries, St Mary Aldermary has witnessed London’s transformations. A wealthy merchant, Sir Henry Keeble, financed a new church in 1510. He was Lord Mayor of London. The church’s tower was completed later in 1630.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 ravaged the city. St Mary Aldermary was among the many churches destroyed. However, the tower remained standing.
In the aftermath, Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt St Mary Aldermary. He did it in a Late Gothic style. This was against the City authority’s plans. A bequest of £5,000 from Henry Rogers made it possible. Rogers wanted the money to rebuild a church in London. The parishioners wanted St Mary Aldermary rebuilt in the old style.
Nikolaus Pevsner called St Mary Aldermary the chief surviving monument of the 17th-century Gothic revival in the City.
St Mary Aldermary faced further challenges during the Second World War. Enemy action damaged the stained-glass windows. The church itself remained largely undamaged.
The interior of St Mary Aldermary boasts remarkable features. The plaster fan-vaulted ceiling is a highlight. It inspires awe. The mouldings above the pillars enhance this effect. The coats of arms of Henry Rogers and Archbishop Sancroft adorn the church. A quirky feature is the angle of the east wall. It follows the line of a pre-1678 passageway.
The tower was rebuilt after the Great Storm of 1703. Many internal fittings date from a Victorian renovation. John Betjeman described it as a “heavy-handed effort”. Earlier fittings include the pulpit. It is believed to have been carved by Grinling Gibbons. There is also a rare wooden sword rest dating back to 1682. The west door case comes from the lost church of St Antholin.
St Mary Aldermary holds a memorial to the Royal Tank Regiment. It is their regimental church. There is an annual commemoration of the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.
Monuments within St Mary Aldermary honor notable figures. Sir Percival Pott was a surgeon. He gave us the term “Pott’s fracture”. James Braidwood established London’s fire brigade. Rene Baudouin was a Huguenot refugee.
The stained-glass windows tell stories of resilience and faith. The east windows by Lawrence Lee depict scenes from the church’s history. The west window by John Crawford commemorates the defense of London during the war.
In 1952, St Mary Aldermary became a Guild Church. In 2010, the Moot community moved in. The Host Cafe opened in 2012. It blurred the boundaries between sacred and secular.
Today, St Mary Aldermary is home to the Moot community. They offer contemplation and reflection. The church hosts meditation groups and Sunday celebrations.
St Mary Aldermary stands as a testament to history, architecture, and community. Its walls echo with centuries of stories. Its doors remain open to all. It is a place where tradition meets contemporary life. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history.