St Mary Le Bow Church

Choral singer’s brief opinion: Small, intimate, pretty church with very nice acoustics for small singing ensembles and polyphony.

Moonrising has done a great job describing the history of St. Mary le Bow. I just wanted to add my appreciation for this beautiful and historic church. The interior (restored in 1956 – 64, after the church was gutted in the Blitz) is colorful, and somehow manages to feel modern while keeping the basic layout of Wren’s design.
Another interesting fact about St. Mary le Bow is its strong links with Trinity Church in the financial district in New York City. Trinity contributed financially to the 20^th century rebuilding of St. Mary le Bow. After the ⁹⁄₁₁ attacks on the World Trade Center (which stood in Trinity’s parish), St. Mary le Bow sent a condolence book and other support to Trinity.
Great church, and a wonderful place to visit. If you enter from Cheapside, be sure to exit through the west door, into the pretty courtyard outside. This is the best place to get a full view of St. Mary le Bow.

A historically very significant church. The bells are the Bow bells featured in the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. They were the bells that called Dick Whittington back to London. During the 14^th Century they were used to ring a curfew every night: probably the origin of the tradition that only those born within sound of the bells can claim to be a true Cockney. During the 2^nd World War the BBC used the sound of the bells at the start of every broadcast to Europe.
Unfortunately the church has also seen a history of destruction. There has been a church on the site since 1070. The church was destroyed by the Great Fire, and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren between 1670 and 1682. The name comes from the bow arches in the surviving Norman crypt, which were echoed in the steeple.
The church was destroyed again in 1941 during the blitz, leaving only the steeple, 2 outer walls and the crypt. Between 1956 and 1964 the church was rebuilt again. The bells were also destroyed and recast several times, but metal from the original set was used to cast new.
Today the first sight of the church is the stunning steepled entrance which opens onto Cheapside. The crypt contains a café (sadly not open when I was there). The church itself is unusually square, and, with the alter and organ, actually feels wider than it’s long. It has a modern feel with black and white floor tiles and some wonderful modern stained glass windows. The organ is particularly stunning. Information leaflets are available, for which you are asked to leave 40p each in a donation box. There’s also a program of events, including art exhibitions and performances. Information on the website.