Do grinning skulls and crossbones intrigue you? They mark the entrance to the churchyard of St Olave’s Church. This unique feature earned it the nickname “St Ghastly Grim” from Charles Dickens.
St Olave’s Church stands as a testament to London’s resilience. It has survived both the Great Fire and the Blitz. This church has a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
Let’s step inside St Olave’s Church. The story of St Olave’s begins with a Norwegian king. King Olaf II fought alongside the Anglo-Saxon King Ethelred the Unready against the Danes. This was during the Battle of London Bridge in 1014. He was later canonized. The church is dedicated to him and may stand on the battle site. King Haakon VII of Norway also worshipped here during his exile in World War II.
St Olave’s Church has been rebuilt over the centuries. The present building dates back to around 1450. Wool merchant Richard Cely Sr. was a major benefactor. He bequeathed money for the steeple and an altar.
Imagine London in 1666. The Great Fire raged. Sir William Penn, father of the founder of Pennsylvania, saved St Olave’s Church. He ordered houses to be blown up creating a fire break. The flames came close but the wind changed.
Samuel Pepys loved St Olave’s Church. He called it “our own church”. Pepys even had a gallery built so he could reach it from his Royal Navy office. It allowed him to avoid the rain. After his wife Elisabeth died Pepys had a marble bust made. It was placed so he could see her during services. Both Samuel and Elisabeth Pepys are buried here.
However disaster struck again. German bombs gutted St Olave’s Church in 1941. The church was restored in 1954. King Haakon returned to preside over the rededication. He laid a stone from Trondheim Cathedral.
St Olave’s Church is known for its architecture. It features a Perpendicular Gothic style. The macabre entrance arch with skulls is very famous. Inside you can see the monument to Elizabeth Pepys.
There is an American connection in the tower. It honors Monkhouse Davison and Abraham Newman. They shipped tea to Boston. This tea was thrown into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party.
The parish registers record the burial of Mother Goose in 1586. Mary Ramsay is also said to be buried here. She was believed to have brought the Plague to London in 1665.
The bells of St Olave’s Church have their own story. Queen Elizabeth I held a thanksgiving service here in 1554. She celebrated her release from the Tower of London. She gave bell-ropes to All Hallows Staining Church. When All Hallows merged with St Olave’s the ropes came too. The original bells melted during the Blitz. They were recast and rehung in the rebuilt tower.
Peter Turner’s memorial bust went missing after the Blitz. It reappeared at an art auction in 2010. It was returned to St Olave’s Church in 2011.
St Olave’s Church has witnessed centuries of London’s history. From battles to fires to plagues it stands as a symbol of faith. Take a moment to appreciate this resilient church. Remember its stories and the people who shaped its past.