If you’ve ever wandered around the City of London on a weekend, you’ll know that it can be an oddly serene place. Freed from the weekly crowd of bankers and hedge fund types, a strange peace descends upon the middle of the otherwise bustling city. And if you’re looking for a hidden spot to max out the tranquil vibes, we know just the place. There’s one London park that truly stands out from the crowd, in more ways than one. We’re talking, of course, about the bombed-out ruins of the church of St Dunstan in the East.
Now, you might argue that a ruin isn’t exactly the nicest place to visit – but hear us out. Thanks to an array of plants that have overtaken the site in a gorgeous display, the ruin is now simply stunning to explore. And there are no dark rooms or mysterious doors to give you the heebie-jeebies. Instead, you’ll find sun-dappled courtyards and gorgeous spots to rest. Don’t forget your camera when you visit – this might just be the most picturesque spot in all of London.
The church, which is as beautiful as it is tranquil, was named after St Dunstan, a tenth-century monk with a colourful past. He survived brushes with black magic, leprosy, and the Devil himself to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Which isn’t quite the usual CV, we don’t think… Similarly, St Dunstan in the East also has its own difficult history.
The history of St Dunstan
Just like its eponymous archbishop, St Dunstan in the East has had a pretty tumultuous history. The church has certainly suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in the nearly 1,000 years it’s been standing. Like much of the City, it was badly damaged by the Great Fire of London. As a consolation prize, it got a new tower built by Sir Christopher Wren.
But the misfortunes didn’t stop there. The tower and steeple, along with the north and south walls, are the only parts that still stand today. The rest of the building’s features were wiped out in 1941 by a German bomb.
Eventually, the Anglican Church was forced to abandon attempts to restore the site when it became too much of a hassle to rebuild. In 1967, the City of London turned the ruins of St Dunstan into a public park, and the Church’s loss became London’s gain. And when you visit, you’re sure to leave believing that every park should come with some stunning ruins in the middle. It’s not too much to ask for, is it?
The park today
Today, nature has all but reclaimed the ruins – albeit in a gorgeous way. Trees grow through windows and vines wind themselves around walls. And then there are the St Dunstan in the East palm trees, which make for a positively tropical addition. All in all, it’s a gorgeously verdant spot when the sun shines.
Having said that, grey skies and a dusting of snow make St Dunstan look simply magical. And a blanket of crunchy colourful leaves makes it a haunting must-visit in the autumn too. But let’s not forget about how stunning the spring blooms can make the walls look.
Frankly, any time the sun dapples its walls, St Dunstan shines…
If you’ve got some cash to splash, you can hire St Dunstan in the East for all sorts of events. And a quick browse through Instagram proves that it’s a stunning spot for a moody photoshoot. But even if you aren’t striking a dramatic pose for your adoring followers, St Dunstan makes for a lovely day out. Maybe it’s time for you to make a pilgrimage?
