Ever wondered how a humble parish could evolve into something truly grand? That’s the story of St Saviour. We stand before a place steeped in history. It whispers tales of kings merchants and dramatic transformations.
St Saviour’s story begins long ago. It started as two parishes St Margaret and St Mary. In 1541 Henry VIII united them. Thus Southwark St Saviour was born. Imagine the bustling parish then. It was a hub of daily life and significant events.
The Corporation of Wardens played a vital role. They oversaw St Saviour’s affairs. This unique corporation replaced the Guild of the Assumption of St Margaret’s Church. They managed parish estates looked after the poor and held considerable power. Even now the United St Saviour’s Charity continues their charitable work.
Borough Market has strong links to St Saviour. Since 1756 the parish appointed the market’s trustees. Profits helped reduce local taxes. Even after the parish was abolished in 1930 the tradition continued. Residents of the former parish still get a council tax rebate. This is thanks to Borough Market’s success.
Let’s talk about boundaries for a moment. The parish stretched far. It reached the River Thames and almost to London Bridge station. Guy’s Hospital was partly within its bounds. The boundaries touched areas like Newcomen Street and Southwark Bridge Road.
St Saviour’s District emerged in 1855. It grouped Southwark Christchurch and St Saviour. This district existed until 1900. Then it became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark. These changes reflect London’s evolving administrative landscape.
The story takes a turn in 1905. St Saviour’s Church became Southwark Cathedral. The diocese now spans a vast area. It serves millions across numerous parishes.
Consider the words of Samuel Pepys. In 1663 he visited St Mary Overy’s Church. He admired its fine monuments and great antiquity. That church is what we now know as St Saviour.
Originally a priory. It was founded in 1106 by Norman knights. They dedicated it to St Mary. It became known as St Mary Overie over the river. Augustinian Canons established a hospital nearby. This became St Thomas’s Hospital.
Royal connections marked its history. Cardinal Beaufort’s niece Joan married King James I of Scotland here in 1423. John Gower the poet lived at the priory. He was a friend of Chaucer. Gower’s tomb is in the nave.
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry VIII took ownership. He rented it to the congregation. They renamed it St Saviour’s. In 1611 merchants bought the church from King James I.
St Saviour’s became a stage for theatrical figures. Actors and dramatists were buried here. These included Edmond Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Lancelot Andrewes is also buried here. He oversaw the translation of the King James Bible.
In the 19th century the church faced demolition. A new London Bridge was planned nearby. Fortunately George Gwilt led a restoration effort. His work preserved significant parts of the cathedral.
Today St Saviour’s welcomes all. It is a place of worship prayer and pilgrimage. The extensions added in 2000 provide modern facilities. They support its ongoing mission in Southwark.
So as you leave St Saviour. Remember its journey. From a parish to a cathedral. It is a testament to enduring faith and community.