St Mary le Bow

Discover the famous church or Bow Bells. Are you a Cockney born within the sound of these bells? See the majestic architecture of Sir Christopher Wren. Enjoy coffee and cakes, breakfast and lunch in the Cafe Below. Morning & Evening Prayer offered daily. An oasis of peace in the midst of the City.

About this building

For more information visit on this building visit https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-le-bow-city-london

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Stained glass
  • Interior features
  • Atmosphere / quiet space
  • Churchyard
  • Social heritage
  • Links to national heritage

Other nearby buildings

Steve Wilde/Flickr

St James Garlickhythe

The name of the church is derived from the word 'hythe', a Saxon word for a landing place or jetty. The stretch of river close by St James' was London's most important hythe since Saxon, or possibly Roman, times. Garlic, a vital preservative and medicine in the Middle Ages, was unloaded here and probably traded on Garlick Hill, where the church now stands.

David Iliff/Flickr

St Stephen Walbrook

Nothing prepares you, as you climb the 13 steps up to St Stephen's, for the majestic space within. Because it was never intended to stand alone, the exterior is roughly finished. But inside, the dome is Wren's finest, based on his original design for St Paul's.