An occasional saunter through the churches of the Square Mile                                
        An occasional saunter through the churches of the Square Mile

                                 
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          All Hallows London Wall                                          
          All Hallows: the urban context                                    
          Also known as All Hallows on the Wall, this little church sits discreetly with its back turned near Liverpool Street station. The medieval church it replaced was actually built into the wall, but was demolished for road-widening. Simon Bradley points out that the 18th Century replacement by George Dance uses part of the wall for its foundation on the north side. As at Dance's other church nearby, St Botolph Aldgate, there is a trim liveliness to the exterior which is confident without being prim. Dance knew what worked best for Wren, what worked best for Hawksmoor, and he was no iconoclast.

All Hallows is somewhat overshadowed by its monstrous neighbours, but nevertheless gives them a run for their money. It sits like a small bastion, a gatehouse if you like, guarding the financial citadels of Bishopsgate - or perhaps, warning you off of them. The interior is said to be lovely, but I have yet to see inside, as like most of the other churches in this group on and around Bishopsgate* it is hardly ever open.

*Don't let this comment put you off of St Botolph Bishopsgate, which is open every day, Monday to Friday. Unfortunately, St Helen Bishopsgate, St Ethelburga Bishopsgate, St Peter Cornhill, St Katherine Cree and St Andrew Undershaft are not.

Simon Knott, April 2016

location: London Wall EC2M 5ND - 3/002
status: technically a guild church, but in use by charismatic congregation and charity
access: open Wednesday 11-3

All Hallows London Wall All Hallows London Wall, the urban context All Hallows London Wall (and friends) west doors All Hallows London Wall All Hallows London Wall clock

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An occasional saunter through the churches of the Square Mile
                               
        An occasional saunter through the churches of the Square Mile