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Also known as All Hallows on the
Wall, this little church sits discreetly with its back
turned near Liverpool Street station. The medieval church
it replaced was actually built into the wall, but was
demolished for road-widening. Simon Bradley points out
that the 18th Century replacement by George Dance uses
part of the wall for its foundation on the north side. As
at Dance's other church nearby, St Botolph Aldgate, there
is a trim liveliness to the exterior which is confident
without being prim. Dance knew what worked best for Wren,
what worked best for Hawksmoor, and he was no iconoclast.
All Hallows is somewhat overshadowed by its monstrous
neighbours, but nevertheless gives them a run for their
money. It sits like a small bastion, a gatehouse if you
like, guarding the financial citadels of Bishopsgate - or
perhaps, warning you off of them. The interior is said to
be lovely, but I have yet to see inside, as like most of
the other churches in this group on and around
Bishopsgate* it is hardly ever open.
*Don't let this comment put you off of St Botolph
Bishopsgate, which is open every day, Monday to Friday.
Unfortunately, St Helen Bishopsgate, St Ethelburga
Bishopsgate, St Peter Cornhill, St Katherine Cree and St
Andrew Undershaft are not.Simon Knott, April 2016
location: London Wall EC2M 5ND - 3/002
status: technically a guild church, but in use
by charismatic congregation and charity
access: open Wednesday 11-3
      
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