Sacred London

Some of the finest churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. Architectural + decorative beauty plus historical significance.

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St Mary-le-Bow

The church of the Bow Bells, within whose sound a true Cockney is born.

ChurchesWrenCrypts

Wren's steeple on Cheapside, where the Bow Bells hang.

Wren rebuilt it in 1673 and thought the steeple among his best. To be born a Cockney is to be born within the sound of its bells, which rang until the Blitz brought them down and were recast afterwards. Underneath is the Norman crypt of stone arches - the bows the church is named for - which is a café now, and outside stands Captain John Smith of Virginia, a parishioner.

Where
Cheapside, EC2V 6AU
Nearest station
Mansion House · 3 min walk

Hours

Monday07:30 – 18:00
Tuesday07:30 – 18:00
Wednesday07:30 – 18:00
Thursday07:30 – 18:00
Friday07:30 – 18:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Hours from the page that lists them, checked 6 September 2026.

Weekends informally; the church asks visitors to email first.

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Data is compiled from public sources including OpenStreetMap, under the ODbL. Hours change often, so check before making a journey.

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