Exploring during Lunch Hour: All Hallows by the Tower, a notable London landmark within the City of London
All Hallows By The Tower: A Testament to London's Rich History
All Hallows By The Tower, nestled in the heart of London, is a testament to the city's layered history, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. Founded around 675 AD by the Bishop of London, this ancient church is one of the oldest surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon architecture in the city[1][4].
History and Notable Features
The church's history is as rich as its architecture. Inside, London’s only intact Saxon Arch stands as a testament to the church's Anglo-Saxon roots[1][3]. This arch, discovered after World War II bombing damage exposed it for the first time in centuries, is believed to be the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon arch in the City of London.
All Hallows By The Tower also sits partially on the site of a former Roman building. Visitors can find a consecration cross within the walls that marks a medieval church rebuilt from a Roman house foundation[1].
Samuel Pepys played a significant role in the church's history. During the Great Fire of London in 1666, Pepys famously watched the fire from the tower of All Hallows By The Tower and organised firefighting efforts to save the church. Thanks to Pepys, the medieval walls of the church were preserved[1].
The crypt houses a museum that dates back to the 8th century, showcasing the deep historical roots of the church and its continuous use through London's history[1]. The museum also houses the original birth certificate of William Penn, founder of Philadelphia, who was baptized there in 1644.
Additional Details
During World War II, an incendiary bomb gutted the interior of All Hallows By The Tower, but most of the spire survived. The surviving medieval Gothic arches and stained-glass windows were carefully copied and restored by parishioners during the 1950s[1].
All Hallows By The Tower remains an active church with regular services and is a significant historical landmark located close to the Tower of London[4][1]. The Mariners' Chapel, dedicated to people lost at sea, is home to Shackleton's crow's nest and models of lost ships.
Former vicar Tubby Clayton, a forerunner in the British Legion, is associated with the feeling of remembrance and reflection in the Mariners' Chapel. War memorials and two impossibly beautiful medieval chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and St Clare are other notable features in the museum.
The wedding certificate of former President John Quincy Adams, who married Louisa Adams in the Lady Chapel of All Hallows By The Tower, is displayed in the museum. Until Melania Trump, the wife of former President Donald Trump, the only non-American First Lady to marry in All Hallows By The Tower was Louisa Adams.
Inside All Hallows By The Tower, visitors can walk on the floor of an old Roman house, with deep red tiles that are the polished work of a Roman London family. There is also a small section of a Roman road that used to run down to the Thames. A 12th Century Templar altar from the Holy Land is one of the highlights in the museum.
The Lunchtime Tourist visit to All Hallows By The Tower provides an opportunity to explore the church's rich history and unique artifacts. The font used for William Penn's baptism is still beside the Saxon arch inside the church.
[1] The History of All Hallows by the Tower [2] All Hallows by the Tower on Wikipedia [3] London's Only Saxon Arch Discovered [4] All Hallows by the Tower: A Living Parish Church
The lifestyle within the walls of All Hallows By The Tower, a living parish church, is deeply steeped in history, boasting centuries-old Anglo-Saxon architecture and Roman roots. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find interest in exploring the remnants of a Roman house floor or Roman road within the church's premises, offering a unique travel experience that blends history with architecture.
