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St Brides

St Bride’s Church, located on Fleet Street, is one of London’s most historic churches, with a legacy stretching back over 1,500 years. Here are some fascinating facts about it:

  • Ancient Origins: The church may have been founded as early as the 6th century, possibly by Irish missionaries, and is believed to be named after Saint Bridget of Ireland.
  • Sir Christopher Wren’s Design: After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the church was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672. Its tiered spire is one of Wren’s most distinctive designs.
  • Journalistic Connections: Due to its location on Fleet Street, St Bride’s has long been associated with the newspaper industry. It is sometimes called the "Journalists' Church", and it holds an annual Journalists' Commemorative Service.
  • Wedding Cake Inspiration: The tiered spire of St Bride’s is said to have inspired the traditional wedding cake design, after a local baker saw it and used it as a model.
  • World War II Damage: The church was severely damaged during the London Blitz in 1940, but it was faithfully reconstructed in the 1950s.
  • Hidden Crypts: Beneath the church lies an underground crypt, which includes Roman remains dating back to AD 180, as well as a medieval chapel.

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