Absolutely everybody knows about the Tower of London, right? I mean, it’s not exactly discrete in stature, having been towering over the River Thames in all its historic glory for the past 1000 years. What many Londoners aren’t quite so familiar with, however, is the slightly littler landmark that’s tucked away right beside it. A church that’s not just 300 years older than the Tower of London, but the oldest church in the whole of the City of London.
All Hallows-by-the-Tower
All Hallows-by-the-Tower was constructed all the way back in 675 AD, and originally thought to have been built from wood. Below the church, there’s evidence of an even more extensive history, with a Roman terracotta floor that’s believed to be the base of a Roman house from the second century. The church is filled to the brim with unique quirks and fascinating artefacts, each of which tells the story of its lengthy past.
The church has managed to survived some pretty major historical events, including the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. It did suffer some rather hefty damage due to the latter, though, but it helped uncover a long-forgotten Saxon arch that still stands proudly to this very day.
The Roman crypt downstairs is an original feature of the Saxon church, and has now been transformed into a museum. It’s jam-packed with Roman and Saxon artefacts, as well as a depiction of early London and many other items relating to the city’s history.
Visiting All Hallows-by-the-Tower
All Hallows-by-the-Tower is a fascinating example of history being hidden right in plain sight – and is certainly well worth a visit. It’s mere moments from the Tower of London, and has played witness to some rather remarkable events. The church is free to visit and no booking is required. The church is open from 8am-5pm (Mondays-Fridays) and 10am-5pm (Saturdays-Sundays).
đź“Ť You can find All Hallows-by-the-Tower on Byward Street, EC3R 5BJ.