All Hallows, Bread Street

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

On the east side of Bread Street at the corner of Watling Street (O.S. 1875). In Bread Street Ward. The parish extends into Cordwainer Ward.


Earliest mention found in records : " All Hallows Bredstrete," I227 (Cal. Ch. Rolls, H. III.I.50).

Other forms : "All Hallows de Bredestrete," 1275 (Ct. H.W. I. 24). "Bredstrate church," 19 Ed. I. (Anc. Deeds, A. 1970). " All Hallows in Watling Street," 1464. (Rolls of Parlt. V. 544a). " Allhallowes in Watling Street," (Leake, 1666).

In 1349 a plot of land for the enlargement of the church was assigned to Nicholas de Rothewell, parson of the church; the plot was 12 ft. long and 27 ft. broad (Cal. P.R. Ed. 111.1348-50, p.295), and in 1350 another plot 40 ft. in length by 20 ft. in breadth adjoining the church, for a chapel to be built on it (ib. 479).

At one time the church had a stone steeple, struck by lightning 1559 and taken down to save the cost of repair (S. 348-9).

Repaired and beautified 1625. Burnt in the Fire 1666, but rebuilt 1680-4 by Sir C. Wren at a cost of over £3000, and the parish of St. John the Evangelist united to it (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 199).

Taken down 1876-7 by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and parish united to St. Mary le Bow. Warehouses erected on the site. John Milton was baptised in the church 1608, and a tablet has been fastened to the corner house erected on the site recording the fact.

A Rectory, and one of the thirteen peculiars belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Patrons : Prior and Chapter of Christ Church, Canterbury, and granted to the Archbishop in 1365 (Newcourt, I.244).

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