All-Hallows-by-the-Tower
Byward Street London EC3

All-Hallows-by-the-Tower has the oldest standing fabric of any church in London.

The first church to built on the site was Saxon, dating from AD 675.  An arch containing some Roman tiles in the south-west corner dates from this period and could be part of a church associated with St Erkenwald, Bishop of London. 

There are also some Saxon crosses housed in the crypt and a well-preserved tessellated Roman pavement (not always open to the public). 

All Hallows survived the Great Fire of 1666 but only its red-brick walls and tower escaped damage during the Blitz. 

The church was rebuilt by Lord Mottistone and Paul Pager between 1948 and 1957.  At this time Samuel Twyne's brick tower of 1658 - 59 was surmounted by a distinctive green copper-covered spire. 

The Post-War rebuilding created a light and airy interior.  Here, the most celebrated furnishing is a limewood font cover, created by the master carver Grinling Gibbon in 1682. 

The church also has some interesting Tudor monuments, sword rests, brasses and a collection of model ships. 

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvannia, was baptised in the church in 1644 and John Quincy Adams, who later became president of the United States of America, was married here in 1797.  In 1666 the diarist Samuel Pepys observed the Great Fire of London from the church tower.  

Admission free

Opening Times

Open: Mon-Fri  09:00-17:30, Sun 10:00-17:00, Sun service 11:00