On the east side of Foster Lane (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Within. The parish extends into Bread Street Ward.
Other names: " S. Faster," 1315-16 (Ct. H.W. I. 260). SS. Vedast and Amandus," 1352 (ib. 661). St. Fastre," '1 Rich. II. (Anc. Deeds, B. 2069). S. Foster," 1561-2 (Ct. H.W. II. 677). St. Vedast alias St. Faister," 36 Eliz. (Lond. I. p.m. III. 187).
John Throwstone gave £100 to the building of the church, 1519. Lately new built (S. 316).
Repaired and beautified 1614, twenty feet of ground added out of a fair court belonging to Saddlers' Hall. Burnt in the Fire 1666. Rebuilt 1697-8 (Strype, ed. 1720, 1. iii. 126).
Parish of St. Michael le Querne united to it (ib. 196).
A Rectory. One of the peculiars belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury and in his gift.
St. Vedast was the bishop and patron saint of Arras, died 540. The Cathedral in Arras is named after him St. Vast's, and the name is often so rendered in France. It is suggested that this dedication is attributable to French influence (Arnold-Forster, I. 468).
It seems to have been an instance of a double dedication.