Plaque

St Mary Somerset - tower

Erection date: 1956

Inscription

This tower of St Mary Somerset built after the Great Fire by Sir Christopher Wren was restored by the Corporation of London AD MCMLVI. {1956}

What was in the air in the fifties that made plaque carvers so inventive with their lettering? The dark section is difficult to read but just on its edge look at the 'OF' and on the light area the 'AFTER' and 'THE'. Always makes us smile.

Site: St Mary Somerset Church (4 memorials)

EC4, Lambeth Hill, St Mary's Somerset Church

The wall plaque, for the tower, is on the south side. The other three are in the paved area around the tower, on three sides. 2013: The north side has been a builders' store area for at least 3 years so we can't see the ground but we don't think there is a fourth plaque there.

A modern information board informs: "This garden covers the site of St Mary's Somerset which may have derived its name in the twelfth century from one Ralph de Somery. In 1666 the church was damaged in the Great Fire of London and then rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1695. In 1869-74 all but the church's 120 foot tower was demolished under the Union of Benefices Act."

As the population of the City reduced fewer churches were found necessary. Under the Union of Benefices Act over 20 churches in the City were demolished to make way for constructions such as railway stations.

We love the riot of finials and pinnacles on the top of the tower.

This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
St Mary Somerset - tower

Subjects commemorated i

St Mary Somerset church

First recorded in the 12th century. Destroyed in the Great Fire it was rebuil...

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Great Fire of London

Started on a Sunday morning. After 4 days the destruction included: - an area...

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Corporation of the City of London

In addressing the 'square mile' concept Londonist has provided a potted histo...

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Sir Christopher Wren

Born East Knoyle, Wiltshire, died London.  Designer of 54 London churches, o...

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This section lists the other memorials at the same location as the memorial on this page:
St Mary Somerset - tower

Also at this site i

St Mary Somerset  - Ewan Christian

St Mary Somerset - Ewan Christian

The dates given on the plaque are about the time that the church ceased funct...

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St Mary Somerset - Weavers

St Mary Somerset - Weavers

Wikipedia explains: "According to John Stow, in 1370, the Brabant weaver comm...

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St Mary Somerset  - Wren

St Mary Somerset - Wren

The church and tower were redesigned and rebuilt under the direction of Sir C...

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