St Michael Cornhill — Attraction in London

St Michael Cornhill Church Overview

St Michael Cornhill is a historic church located in the City of London.

Location: South side of Cornhill street, in Cornhill Ward Origin: At least 1,000 years of history Current building: Designed by Christopher Wren's office in 1672, rebuilt in the 1670s Tower: Completed in 1721, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor

Key Features

Gothic-style tower: Modeled after the tower of Magdalen College, Oxford Interior decoration: Extensively remodeled by George Gilbert Scott in 1857-1860 Musical tradition: Home to the world's longest-running series of lunchtime organ recitals

Anecdotes Related to Famous People

Thomas Gray Famous poet known for "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" Born in 1716 in a milliner's shop next to St Michael Cornhill and baptized in this church

Robert Fabyan Author of "The New Chronicles of England and France" Buried at St Michael's in 1513

Robert Yaxley Physician to Henry VIII Buried in this church in 1540

John Stow Historian and antiquarian, born in Cornhill parish in 1525 Recorded a legend about the church as told by his father: In the early 16th century, bell-ringers were struck by a thunderstorm and an "evil-shaped thing" appeared, causing them to faint Afterwards, marks like "lion's claws" were found on the north window

Harold Darke Composer and organist who served as St Michael's music director for 50 years Started the world's longest-running series of lunchtime organ recitals in 1916

St Michael Cornhill Church thus holds many interesting anecdotes related to famous individuals throughout its...

Building ostensibly on the site of the Roman Forum. Current incarnation attributed to Christopher Wren with later additions by Hawksmoor and extensive renovations by George Gilbert Scott - illustrious grandees of English Architecture. The ornate carved Gothic porch sets a threshold tone here, the interior somewhat more subdued but predictably reverential. The usual memorials, impressive stained glass, an elaborate pulpit and a rare complete “suite” of Victorian pews. A 17th.Century paintings of a judicious Moses and Aaron- referencing the Commandment tablets - reinforces the sense of balance, proportion and harmony on the narrow footprint. Grade I Listed. Seek out for the pleasant garden abutting the church accessible from...

Visited in October 0f '24. We were staying at a hotel next door and saw a sign offering an organ recital that day. My partner does not do stairs well and I went into the church and asked if there was an alternate entrance.We were quickly introduced to Jonathan Rennert the musical director who came out of the church and led us around the back way and after 10 minutes was able to take us through the bowels of the church and we eventually ended up about 40 feet from where the recital was taking place. Spent just over an hour listening to beautiful music thanks to the kindness of Jonathon and his friends. This was my first trip to England and I will always remember the kindness of the British people....