Beneath the bustling streets of London lies a hidden gem. It’s the Whitefriars Crypt. A forgotten relic of a bygone era. This isn’t just any crypt. It’s a window into the tumultuous history of Whitefriars.
The Whitefriars Crypt once belonged to a Carmelite Friary. Founded in 1247 the friary flourished for centuries. Its church was rebuilt in the mid-14th century. The Whitefriars were easily identified by their white habits. This gave the area its name.
King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 marked a turning point. The friary’s lands were dispersed. The area transformed. It became a haven for actors and rebels. The Whitefriars Theatre operated from 1608 to 1629. It hosted the Children of the King’s Revels and later the Children of the Queen’s Revels. This was a time when London’s theatrical scene thrived. Whitefriars offered a refuge from the City’s strict rules. The area became known as Alsatia. Its reputation was far from saintly. It attracted actors and those wanting to escape the law.
After the theatre closed the area deteriorated. It became known for its squalid housing and workhouses. The crypt itself lay hidden for centuries. It was rediscovered in 1896 during renovations in Britton’s Court. Used as a cellar its significance was only then realized. Another similar crypt existed nearby. Sadly it was destroyed about twenty years earlier.
The 1920s saw another change. The News of the World needed more space. They redeveloped the area. The crypt was considered an obstacle. This wasn’t a problem for them. The crypt was carefully moved across the road. It now resides in a modern office block’s basement. A steel raft was used to transport it. It was a remarkable feat of engineering.
Today the Whitefriars Crypt stands as a testament to resilience. It is a reminder of London’s layered past. It’s a story of faith drama lawlessness and remarkable preservation. Though you can’t enter the crypt its glass walls offer a glimpse into its secrets. They whisper tales of friars actors and the city’s ever-changing landscape. So next time you’re near Fleet Street remember the Whitefriars Crypt. Remember its history. Remember its remarkable journey.