St Stephen Walbrook with St Benet Sherehog, London Genealogy

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St Stephen Walbrook with St Benet Sherehog, the church of, is situated at the north east corner of Walbrook, and is dedicated,...to the patronage of St Stephen. There is mention in ancient records of a church dedicated to the same saint, near this spot, but on the opposite side of the brook, prior to 1135. In 1432, Robert Chichelely, Mayor of London, purchased the ground now occupied by the present church and cemetery of the Grocers' Company, and the new church was finished in 1439. In 1432, Robert Whittington, Citizen and Draper, Knight of the Bath, purchased the advowson from the Duke of Bedford. From him, it passed into a family named Lee, one of whom presented to it in 1474, and afterwards gave it to the Grocers' Company in whom the patronage has remained ever since. The old church was destroyed by the great fire of 1666, and the present church much celebrated edifice erected [in] its place, by Sir Christopher Wren. This church is reckoned by many persons to be Wren's masterpiece...The plan is extremely simple...75 feet by 56 feet...If any doubt the excellencies of Wren as an architect of the first class, let him study and analize this javel of our art--and find fault if he will--but let him first endeavor to surpass it. This church has been repaired twice...wisely restored and preserved...but...not...improve[d]. The parish of St Benet Sherehog (which see) was united to this church after the fire of London, and these united parishes form a rectory; but as the living of St Benet's came to the crown at the dissolution of monasteries, the Lord Chancellor and the Grocers' Company present alternately. It is in the City, archdeaconry and diocese of London...

[Adapted from: "Topographical Dictionary of London" by James Elmes; published 1831]