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St. Mary-le-Bow Review

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St. Mary-le-Bow

Address: Cheapside, The City, London, EC2V 6AU | Map It
Phone: 020/7248-5139
www.stmarylebow.co.uk

Category: Religious Sites
Location: The City

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 1.0/5

Fodor's Review:

This church is another classic City survivor; various versions have stood on the site since the 11th century. In 1284 a local goldsmith took refuge here after committing a murder, only to be killed inside the church by enraged relatives of his victim. The church was abandoned for a time afterward, but started up again, and was rebuilt in its current form after the Great Fire. Wren's 1673 incarnation has a tall steeple for a City church (only St. Bride's is taller) and one of the most famous sets of bells around—a Londoner must be born within the sound of the "Bow Bells" to be a true Cockney. The Bow takes its name from the bow-shape arches in the Norman crypt. The garden contains a statue of local boy Captain John Smith, who founded Virginia in 1606 and was later captured by Native Americans.

Open: Mon.-Thurs. 7-6, Fri. 7-4
Tube: Mansion House, St. Paul's

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 4/6/08
The rather modern interior is thoroughly bland and uninteresting. The outside is the only thing remotely worth a look, and that not so much either. With so many worthwhile things to see in London, it's just not worth the visit.