Google Street View of St
Botolph, Aldersgate
View Larger Map
Location: St Botolph, Aldersgate, City of London, London, England, United Kingdom. (51°31′N 0°6′W).
Website: www.stbotolphs.org.uk
Phone: +44 20 7283 1670
St Botolph, Aldersgate
St Botolph's-without-Aldersgate is a Church of England church on Aldersgate Street in the City of London, dedicated to St Botolph. Of medieval origin, it survived the Great Fire of London with only minor damage but fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1788–91. The church is renowned for its beautiful interior and historic organ.
History of St Botolph, Aldersgate:
The church was founded before 1291. The earliest recorded rector is John de Steventon in 1333. The living was originally in the possession of St Martin's-le-Grand, but on the dissolution of the priory Henry VIII granted it to the bishop of the newly founded Diocese of Westminster. The patronage eventually passed to the dean and chapter of Westminster Abbey.
During the Middle Ages there was a hospital for the poor outside Aldersgate. A Cluniac foundation, it was suppressed by Henry V as an alien house, and its lands and goods were granted to the parish of St Botolph.
The medieval church was a Gothic building, divided by arcades into nave and aisles. There were three gables at the east end. In 1627, the steeple was rebuilt in Portland stone, with battlements and a turret, and the rest of the church repaired. Many of the pews were replaced, and a new clock and dial were installed. The improvements cost, in total, £415. The medieval church was 78 feet (24 m) long and 51 feet (16 m) wide. The 17th century steeple was about 65 feet (20 m) ft high, and contained six bells. In an account published in 1773 the church is described as having galleries on the north and west sides, oak pews, and a carved oak pulpit.
