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Dating from 1628 - 31, St Katharine
Cree was one of the few churches to be built in England during
the years preceding the Civil War, and only
eight in the City to survive the Great Fire of 1666.
The south-west tower, dating
from 1504, is from an earlier church but the uppermost section
and cuppola were added in 1776.
The rare pre-Wren church, is
an extraordinary mix of classical and Gothic styles, seen
clearly at the east end where the Gothic rose window contrasts
with the building's Corinthiam columns and coffered arches.
Beneath the rose window, set with 17th century stained glass,
is a straight-topped reredos in Classical style, whilst on
the east wall is a portrait of William Laud, Bishop of London,
who consecrated the church in 1631.
The font is original and bears
the arms of Sir John Gayor, Lord Mayor.
Some of the plasterwork on and
beneath the high ceiling of the nave depicts the coats of
arms of the guilds with which St Katharine Cree has special
links.
The 17th century organ is supported
on magnificent carved wooden columns, and was played by the
Henry Purcell and George Frederick Handel.
Admission free
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