(St.) Faith under St. Paul's

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

A parish Church under the Quire of St. Paul's, at the west end of Jesus Chapel (S. 331).


A crypt of four aisles.

In Castle Baynard Ward ; the parish extended into Farringdon Ward Within.

First mention found in records : "St. Faith's by St. Paul's," 7 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2185).

Other names : Caplla sci fidis i cript', 1241-59 (MS. D. and C. St. Paul's, W.D. 9, 48b).

Seems to be referred to as : "Ecca cripta4. in 1285 (ib. Lib. L. f. 104). "In Parr' Criptar4," 13th century (ib. W.D. 12). "St. Faith in the Crypt of the church of St. Paul," 9 Ed. I. 1281 (Cal. P.R. Ed. I. 1272-81, p. 458). "S. Faith of the Crypts," 1290 (Ct H.W. I. 92). "S. Faith Virgin in cripte," 1348-9 (ib. 521). "S. Faith sub volta ecclesie Sancti Pauli," 49 Ed. III. (Anc. Deeds, B. 2180).

Served for Stationers and others dwelling in Pawles Churchyard, Paternoster Row, etc. (S. 331).

The old parish church stood above ground, but was removed about 1255 for the extension of the Cathedral eastwards.

At the Reformation the parish church was removed from the crypt to a chapel in St Paul's called "Jesus Chapel or Steeple," a place more sufficient for largeness and lightsomeness.

Burnt in the Fire and not rebuilt, the parish being united to St. Augustine Watling Street.

A Rectory. Patrons : Canons of St. Paul's, afterwards the Dean and Chapter.

The dedication is to St. Faith, the virgin martyr of Aquitaine, who suffered martyrdom in the time of Diocletian. Dedication attributable to French influence.

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