St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

Garden · Fenchurch

2

@atlasobscura

"The church of St.Dunstan-in-the-East has survived a lot during its 900-year history, including the Great Fire of London in 1666. An English parish church located halfway between the Tower of London and the London Bridge, it was originally built during Norman times. Although the Great Fire caused terrible damage to the church it was faithfully rebuilt, and topped with a steeple designed by Sir Christopher Wren.  But in 1941, the church was devastated by the Blitz. A direct hit destroyed everything apart from the north and south walls, and Wren’s steeple. The threat of German invasion of the United Kingdom had ended with the Battle of Britain a year earlier, but the sustained strategic bombing of the UK continued. By 1941, the Blitz was reaching its terrible crescendo. Starting on September 7th, 1940, London was bombed for nearly 60 consecutive nights. The night of December 29th saw the most ferocity, as the Luftwaffe blanketed London with bombs in what was called the Second Great Fire of London.  By the end of the Blitz, over 1,000,000 London homes were destroyed, including much of the old Saxon church. After the war, with much of London in rubble, the slow rebuilding process began. But St. Dunstan-in-the-East remained in ruins. In 1967, the City of London Corporation decided to turn the bombed out shell of the church into a public garden, which remains to this day. Hidden away on a secluded side street, and long since dwarfed by the modern steel and chrome structures of the city, it remains one of London’s secret gardens. One of the last Blitz-damaged buildings left in the United Kingdom, overgrown with trees, ivy, and wall climbing flowers growing amongst the ruined arches, it’s a poignant living memorial to the horrors of the Blitz and a testament to the resilience of the City of London which survived it." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

The World's Top 100 Wonders in 2018
vrobbins (Atlas Obscura User)

St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom Get directions

cityoflondon.gov.uk

2 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Bvlgari Hotel London

Hotel · Knightsbridge

Indulge in a luxurious stay at this chic hotel just steps from Harrods, featuring a stunning spa, Italian dining, and swanky rooms with top-notch amenities.

6 Postcards

La Mia Mamma

Italian restaurant · Chelsea

At La Mia Mamma in Chelsea, a lively crew of Italian 'mammas' whip up joyful regional dishes and serve up London's best cacio e pepe in a fun, bustling atmosphere.

38 Postcards

SUSHINOEN

Japanese restaurant · Whitechapel

Sushinoen is a cozy Japanese diner near Aldgate East, serving up fresh sushi and comfort food in a stylish space with attentive service.

5 Postcards

Laksamania

Malaysian restaurant · Fitzrovia

Laksamania serves up hearty Malaysian fare, specializing in rich, comforting laksas in a cozy Fitzrovia spot that’s perfect for group hangs or solo slurps.

8 Postcards

Singburi

Thai restaurant · Shoreditch

Singburi is a vibrant, BYOB Thai café in Leytonstone, celebrated for its ever-changing blackboard specials and authentic dishes like crispy moo krob.

26 Postcards

Lady of The Grapes

Wine bar · Covent Garden

Nestled in Covent Garden, Lady of the Grapes is a romantic, cozy wine bar championing female winemakers, offering organic wines and delightful French tapas.

22 Postcards

Max's Sandwich Shop

Sandwich shop · Finsbury Park

Max's is a cozy sandwich café where you can indulge in inventive, messy creations alongside great drinks in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

15 Postcards

Bubala

Vegetarian restaurant · Spitalfields

Bubala is a charming vegetarian gem in Spitalfields, dishing out vibrant Middle Eastern small plates that beckon sharing, from creamy hummus to sizzling halloumi drizzled with honey.

27 Postcards

Rasa South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

Indian restaurant · Stoke Newington

Rasa is a vibrant pink haven in Stoke Newington serving authentic Keralan vegetarian curries and inventive snacks, perfect for a cozy meal with friends.

3 Postcards

Llewelyn's

Modern European restaurant · Brixton

Nestled next to Herne Hill station, Llewelyn’s is a charming, refined eatery serving seasonal modern European dishes, perfect for a relaxed meal outdoors.

21 Postcards