Fancy stepping back in time to London’s medieval milk market? Today, we stand where St Mary Magdalen once stood. It was a parish church in the City of London. It was dedicated to Jesus’ companion Mary Magdalene.
Originally built in the 12th century St Mary Magdalen was a notable landmark. Imagine this area bustling with merchants. They traded milk and other goods right where we’re standing.
St Mary Magdalen has a long history. The first mention of “St. Mary Magdalene in foro Londoniarum” was in 1162. A document between 1203 and 1215 records it as “St. Mary Magdalene, Milk Street”. John Stow wrote in 1603 that it was a small church recently repaired. It was further updated in 1619 and 1630.
Before the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the church 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 in 1649. He was removed from his position in 1650. Thomas Vincent replaced him. He continued the Presbyterian tradition. He was removed in 1662 for not complying with the Act of Uniformity.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed St Mary Magdalen. The parish was combined with St Lawrence Jewry. The City of London acquired the site. They converted it 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 during The Blitz on 29 December 1940. It was rebuilt later. None of the original buildings survive today.
Sir Thomas More was born in Milk Street in February 1478. He was Lord Chancellor from 1529 to 1532. Henry VIII executed him in 1535. More opposed the king’s split from the Catholic Church. He was probably baptised at St Mary Magdalen. It was his local church.
Francis Fletcher was a notable parish priest. He resigned in July 1576. He joined Francis Drake’s three-year circumnavigation of the world. James Speight was also a parish priest. He served from 1592 to 1637. He was the father of the feminist poet Rachel Speght.
Many important people were buried here. Sir William Cantilo died in 1462. He was of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Several Lord Mayors of London were also buried here. These included John Olney, Sir John Browne, and Sir William Browne. Also Thomas Exmewe and Thomas Skinner. Henry Cantlow built a chapel in the church. He was buried there in 1495.
Doctor Thomas Moundeford was a longtime resident of Milk Street. He was President of the Royal College of Physicians six times. He was also personal physician to Arbella Stuart. He died in 1630. His wife Mary Moundeford died in 1656. She was Rachel Speght’s godparent. The regicide Sir John Bourchier died nearby. He was interred in the church graveyard in August 1660.
Today, nothing remains of St Mary Magdalen. Yet, its story echoes through the streets. It reminds us of London’s rich and complex past.