Name: St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
Address: St Dunstan's Hill, City of London, London EC3R 5DD, UK
Rating: 4.7

City garden amongst the ruins of a grade I listed church with a tower & steeple by Christopher Wren.

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Buckingham Palace

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The British Museum

Hyde Park

Sir Christopher Wren, the architect behind St. Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt St Dunstan in the East's tower after the Great Fire of London in 1666. This gives the garden a connection to one of England's most famous architects.

Rebuilt by a Master

The church was largely destroyed during the Blitz in World War II. Rather than being rebuilt, the ruins were transformed into a public garden, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding city.

World War II Damage

The garden is located in the heart of the City of London, the historic financial district, making it a surprising oasis of calm amidst the bustling urban environment.

Location, Location, Location

The ruins and lush greenery make St Dunstan in the East Church Garden a popular spot for photographers, especially wedding and engagement photoshoots.

Popular Photo Spot

The garden is a public space, meaning it's free to enter and enjoy, offering a tranquil escape for locals and tourists alike.

Free to Visit

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden offers a unique sanctuary within the City of London, a verdant space born from the ruins of a church steeped in history. Originally built around 1100, the church suffered significant damage in the Great Fire of London in 1666, prompting a rebuild by Sir Christopher Wren. However, it was again heavily damaged during the Blitz of World War II, leaving only the Wren-designed steeple standing prominently against the skyline. Rather than rebuild, the decision was made to transform the bombed-out shell into a public garden, a poignant reminder of resilience and rebirth. Today, climbing plants cascade down the weathered stone walls, creating a romantic and contemplative atmosphere. The garden's layout cleverly incorporates the remaining architectural features, with pathways winding through the nave and transepts, offering unexpected perspectives of the steeple framed by foliage. The juxtaposition of ancient stone and vibrant greenery creates a powerful sense of tranquility, a hidden oasis amidst the bustling city.

Introduction

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden offers a tranquil escape within London's bustling City, a unique oasis where nature intertwines with historical ruins. Originally a church dating back to around 1100, it faced severe damage during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and later, the Blitz of World War II, leaving only remnants of its former structure. Rather than being rebuilt, the City of London Corporation transformed the site into a public garden, opening it in 1970.

This garden provides a serene retreat, contrasting with the busy Lower Thames Street nearby. Ivy-covered ruins and trees growing through former church windows create a wild, picturesque environment. A fig tree, planted in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of George VI, still stands, having survived the Blitz. The garden's somewhat hidden location offers a quiet space for relaxation and reflection, a secret known to those seeking respite from the urban hustle.

Located near Tower Hill, Cannon Street, and Bank tube stations, and within walking distance of landmarks like the Tower of London and London Bridge, St Dunstan in the East is easily accessible. Its Grade I-listed ruins and verdant setting make it a favored spot for photographers and filmmakers, capturing the blend of history and nature. The garden invites visitors to step back in time, offering a peaceful haven amidst the city's vibrant energy.

City Oasis

Originally built around 1100 AD during Norman times, St Dunstan-in-the-East has undergone several transformations, reflecting London's tumultuous history. Badly damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666, it was partially reconstructed under Sir Christopher Wren, who added its distinctive tower and steeple between 1695 and 1701. Wren's gothic-style steeple, constructed with modern materials, became a defining feature, though the church required rebuilding between 1817 and 1821 due to structural issues.

The most dramatic transformation occurred during the Blitz of World War II in 1941 when a direct hit left it largely in ruins, with only the north and south walls and Wren's tower surviving. Unlike many other churches, St Dunstan's was not fully rebuilt. In 1967, the City of London Corporation decided to convert the bombed-out shell into a public garden, opening in 1971.

Today, the Grade I listed site serves as a serene oasis, with nature reclaiming the weathered walls and arches. Ivy-clad ruins and trees create a unique atmosphere, while a central fountain marks the original nave's location. The transformation from a Norman-era church to a Blitz casualty and finally to a tranquil garden encapsulates resilience. The site is available for weddings, photoshoots, and private hire.

History of Transformation

St Dunstan-in-the-East stands as a poignant memorial to the devastation of the Blitz during World War II. Originally a parish church with origins dating back to around 1100, it suffered severe damage over centuries, including the Great Fire of London in 1666, after which Sir Christopher Wren added a steeple. However, it was the Blitz of 1941 that irrevocably altered its fate.

During the intense bombing raids, a direct hit left only the north and south walls and Wren's steeple standing. Amidst the widespread destruction across London, the church was not rebuilt. Instead, in 1967, the City of London Corporation transformed the ruins into a public garden, which opened in 1971, creating a unique space that blends nature with the remnants of war.

Today, St Dunstan-in-the-East serves as a living memorial, where trees, ivy, and climbing flowers grow among the ruined arches. The garden offers a tranquil retreat, a stark contrast to the bustling city surrounding it, inviting reflection on the resilience of London and its people. The site incorporates a fountain in the middle of the nave, further enhancing the contemplative atmosphere. It stands as one of the last Blitz-damaged buildings in the United Kingdom, a testament to the city's enduring spirit amidst the horrors of war.

Blitz Memorial Garden

Sir Christopher Wren's Gothic steeple at St Dunstan-in-the-East is a distinctive feature, surviving the church's turbulent history. Added between 1695 and 1701 after the Great Fire of London, the steeple replaced an earlier leaded spire destroyed in the blaze. Wren designed it in a Gothic style sympathetic to the existing church, yet incorporated contemporary string courses. Its needle spire rises from a pinnacle tower, supported by four flying buttresses, reminiscent of St Nicholas in Newcastle.

Popular legend suggests Wren's daughter, Jane, assisted in the steeple's design, possibly with input from Nicholas Hawksmoor. The steeple's apparent delicacy led some to doubt its structural integrity, but Wren himself expressed confidence in its design, particularly after a storm in 1703 damaged other City spires, leaving St Dunstan's untouched.

When the church's nave deteriorated in the early 1800s and was rebuilt, Wren's steeple was deliberately retained. It again survived the Blitz in 1941, when the rest of the church was largely destroyed, save for sections of the north and south walls. Today, the tower and steeple house the All Hallows House Foundation, a charity providing health services to those living and working in the City of London. The steeple remains a testament to Wren's architectural skill and a focal point within the garden.

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

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Rebuilt by a Master

World War II Damage

Location, Location, Location

Popular Photo Spot

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