IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth

St Mary Woolnoth is an Anglican church located in the heart of the City of London, near the Bank of England. Designed by the renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, it stands as a testament to English Baroque architecture. The church was constructed between 1716 and 1727, making it one of the Queen Anne Churches built under the Fifty New Churches Act. (en.wikipedia.org)

The church's design is distinctive, featuring an imposing façade with two flat-topped turrets supported by Corinthian columns. The interior is equally impressive, with a square layout enclosed by three rows of four columns, creating a "cube within a cube" effect. A notable feature is the baroque baldaquin, modeled after that of Bernini in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. (en.wikipedia.org)

Historically, St Mary Woolnoth has been associated with several notable figures. From 1780 to 1807, John Newton served as the rector. Born in 1725, Newton was a former slave ship captain who became a prominent abolitionist and is best known for penning the hymn "Amazing Grace." His memorial tablet in the church bears an epitaph he wrote himself, reflecting on his transformation from a "servant of slaves in Africa" to a preacher of the Christian faith. (en.wikipedia.org)

The church has also been linked to other significant individuals, including Sir Martin Bowes, Lord Mayor in 1545–46, and Thomas Kyd, the Elizabethan dramatist, who was baptized here. Additionally, William Wilberforce, a leading campaigner against the slave trade, worshipped at St Mary Woolnoth. (en.wikipedia.org)

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the church faced threats of demolition, notably during the construction of the Bank Underground station between 1897 and 1900. Public outcry led to the preservation of the church, although its crypt was sold to the railway company, and the bodies were reburied elsewhere. (en.wikipedia.org)

Today, St Mary Woolnoth continues to serve as an active parish church, offering regular services and hosting various events. Its unique architectural style and rich history make it a significant landmark in London's religious and cultural landscape. (en.wikipedia.org)