After seeing that gorgeous clock from atop the Monument, I set out in that direction and there stood The Parish Church of St.Magnus The Martyr Church belonging to the diocese of London. St.Magnus The Martyr who was known for his piety and gentleness, was killed in 1118 by his cousin in a political rivalry. He was canonized in 1135.
The church must have been built in mid 12th C, though there is no solid proof of when was this built. However there is evidence for the existence of this church in 1128-33. On Feb 13, 1633 a major fire accident took place in this locality, which destroyed about 42 houses. Fortunately, the Church was left unharmed in this accident.
Sadly later in 1666, in the Great Fire of London, commemorating which the Monument was built, consumed the church completely, as it was located just 300 yards from the epicentre of the fire!
Between 1671 and 1687, the church was completely rebuilt under Sir Christopher Wren under whom the monument was also built. Costing more than £9500, this was one of the expensive churches built during the restoration of the city after the fire.
The church looks overwhelming with its beauty! Completely traditional in its look, preserved well, with its wooden chairs, looking gorgeous. The choir's location reminded me of Armenian Church and what the Father there said - traditionally the choir is in the mezzanine floor opposite altar and not beside the altar as is, in these days! Here, the choir is located perfectly and it was magnificent. At the centre of the choir is the Organ instrument with a swell box which were also donated by Sir Charles Dunconbe and his son. Just reminded me of the movie August Rush.
Again in the year 1940, during the World War II, a bomb dropped on London Bridge, caused fire in the church and was partially destroyed. Again it was restored and opened to public on 1st June 1951. Again on 4th Nov 1995, the stairs and some panelling got damaged in a minor fire which was restored in 1997.
The most stunning feature was the stained glass windows. There were tall French windows that made the day light a spectacular rainbow spectrum. Atop them were smaller circular windows, which were also stained glass windows. The original stained glass technique is a complex technique, unlike today's stained glasses which are mere painted full panels! These were made in 1995 by Lawrence Lee.
Btw, that clock that attracted me here from atop the monument, was also presented to the Church in 1706 by Sir Charles Dunconbe.
To get there:
Dedicated to Venkat
Another beautiful post, Amazing pics.
ReplyDeleteInteresting history of a beautiful church. Well captured!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful place .. I been to london so many times but never got to see all the sites .. must see them
ReplyDeleteBikram's
There are so many wonderful churches in London. I've worked about 15 minutes from here and never noticed the church! Next time I'm around Monument I'll go and take a look
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning church this is, and so much chequered history (and quite a bit of bad luck too.)
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