Saint Mary's
As early as the 16th century, large numbers of British people lived in Rotterdam, then even called Little London, such as wool traders, soldiers and refugees from Catholicism. In 1699, 17 merchants submitted a request to the Vroedschap of Rotterdam to be allowed to build a church. The request was granted and a piece of land on the Haringvliet was given on loan. The then priest Dr Thorold raised money in 1706 for the construction of the church. Queen Anne and the Duke of Marlborough (John Churchill) donated a considerable amount and in gratitude their coats of arms were placed in the church facade. St. Mary's Church was consecrated on 22 April 1708 and has suffered many setbacks. During the Napoleonic era, the building was confiscated and used as a prison for English and Russian prisoners of war, later as a grain store and finally by the Russians as stables and storage. The interior was completely destroyed but thanks to donations from the British government and King William 1, the building could be restored. In 1864, the tower was struck by lightning and had to be removed. In 1873, the British government announced that from that moment on no financial support could be given. And so, due to lack of finances, the church fell into further disrepair. In 1878, the Colonial and Continental Church Society appeared on the scene and became the owner of the building. During the glory years of shipping and trade at the end of the 19th century, increasing international activities in the ports of Rotterdam made a facility for the reception and spiritual care of foreign seamen necessary. St. Mary's took on this task together with the Scottish church, in a building on the Boompjes. In 1893, the Mission to Seamen, a worldwide Christian organization, took over this task and still works together with St. Mary's Church, our priest divides his time between both organizations.
