LONDON on the Ground

The Wren church near St Paul’s has many interesting features and a hidden courtyard of surprises. First, let me explain the unusual name of this church. Vedast was a sixth century bishop of Arras, in the border region between France and Flanders. Known as Vaast in Flemish, his greatest claim to fame is probably his conversion to Christianity of the Frankish king, Clovis.   St Vedast was venerated by Flemish merchants who came to England in the 12 th  century, when his name w

Bells, bell ringers and panoramas of a City of London landmark. St Mary-le-Bow is one of Sir Christopher Wren’s most celebrated City of London churches. Its 248ft spire on Cheapside completes the most ‘Wren-like’ of the City churches he created after the Great Fire of London of 1666. It remains a landmark in the 21st century City. St Mary-le-Bow spire seen from the roof terrace at One New change However, St Mary-le-Bow is probably most famous for its bells, whose history long