City Churches | St Margaret Pattens
If you find yourself in the City of London with a bit of spare time, it’s always worthwhile to soak up some history by popping into one of the 50-odd City churches.
This week, with some time between private tours, I did just that and think this might be a fun series so let me know if you’d enjoy that!
St Margaret Pattens
The first church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch on Eastcheap was back in 1067.
Presumably a small wooden building, it was later replaced in the 16th century with a stone building and ‘St Margaret Pattens’ is written on the Agas map, with a church building appearing to the right.
There is some debate over the meaning of ‘pattens’. The first spelling is ‘Patynz’ and the church’s own history account suggests it could be related to a 13th century family name or even a reference to starry decoration. More likely, it seems is John Stow’s account which attributes a link with the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers.
What’s a Patten?
Picture the scene. It’s London in the 14th century and you’re about to leave your home for a short walk to the local church. Proudly slipping on your exquisite new brocaded shoes, you open your front door to see the thick sludgey mess of horse manure – and worse – lining the city’s streets.
So pattens were under-shoes, often with a chunky platform, helping the City elite avoid getting the worst of London’s grime on their clothes and shoes.
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers were first recorded in 1379 as a trade guild producing pattens. The trade appears to have been based in nearby Rood Lane, so it makes sense that there was a close association with the local church.
Rebuilt by Wren
The current St Margaret Pattens was rebuilt by Christopher Wren between 1684-9, following the Great Fire of London in 1666.
From the outside the church seems dwarfed by modern buildings. However, its surviving spire is an impressive 200ft, only St Bride’s on Fleet Street and St Mary-Le-Bow (as well as St Paul’s Cathedral) are taller Wren churches.
Interior Details
St Margaret Pattens escaped The Blitz unscathed and so boasts a number of interesting internal features.
As you enter you can find a display case of pattens (shown above) as well as another celebrating the link with the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, also a local Eastcheap trade during the Medieval period.
Inside the nave there are panels listing the Masters of the Pattenmakers Company from the Great Fire to the present day, cementing the links with the church.
Today St Margaret Pattens is a Guild Church. Nothing to do with the Trade Guilds, but meaning it doesn’t have a traditional Sunday parish and rather hosts services midweek, reflecting its position in the midst of London’s financial centre.
In the main body of the church, looking back towards the West end can be admired an 18th century organ case and impressive Royal coat of arms.
On the theme of pomp, one of the grandest memorials in the church, high on the South wall is dedicated to the former Lord Mayor and Governor of the Bank of England; Sir Peter Delmé who died in 1728.
As well as his memorial he dedicated a sword rest to the church, a place where the Lord Mayor’s sword can be safely left while worshipping in the church.
Prior to 1883 it was common practice that the Lord Mayor would visit a different church each Sunday so you can find a few sword rests in City Churches.
In contrast there are far plainer mentions of some of the choristers, two of whom died tragically young.
And finally, I felt that this sign held far more meaning than just an instruction for Margaret Pattens, rather it could be a fitting message for anyone entering a City Church…
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Garry Wiles
I love visitng City Churches, so this post was very welcome and much enjoyed. This is a new church to me. I love the idea of doping some guided tours of City Churches, and would be a willing participant.
Tony
Great Post, thanks Katie! As an aside at one time quite recently the administration of the city churches were looked after by Chad Varah, the originator of the Samaritans organisation,!
Katie Wignall
Yes you can find the original telephone in St Stephen Walbrook, an amazing and poignant curiosity!
Terry Pipe
I thought that the steeple of St Margaret Pattens was the third highest of Wren’s churches in the City; the tallest being St Bride’s (as you rightly say) at 226 feet, the next being St Mary-le-Bow at 224 feet and then St Margaret Pattens at 200 feet. That is what I have been telling my visitors anyway. Terry.
Katie Wignall
You’re quite right, how could I forget Mary-Le-Bow (take away that City badge)!!! Will amend now 🙂
Dave Strong
Thanks Katie. I spent many a lunchtime visiting the City Churches, a lot of which are kept open at certain times with the help of the Church Watchers from the Friends of City Churches. The timetable can be found here: http://www.london-city-churches.org.uk/
Emmie Pollard
Another great post for those of us who enjoy looking up
Thanks. There are some attractive buildings above the shops in Eastcheap. A favourite is the Camel freeze over the road from St.Margarets.
Katie Wignall
Interestingly I noted that as a future blog post. I’ve previously featured it in this post, but it deserves a more in-depth look I think! https://lookup.london/city-of-london-animals/
Wendy Johnson
Pattens sound like a great idea. The forerunner of galoshes, perhaps?
Ceil
So many churches… So little time…. Yes, keep `em coming!
Poppi Cochran
Amazing post as always. Can I give a shout out to the Lost London Churches Project lostlcp.com has great walks and info.
Katie Wignall
A fabulous resource, thanks for flagging!
Jonathan H Davies
Much enjoyed. I now live in the US. So many sights that ! missed when working in London. On my rare visits back I plan to visit some of the wonders that you are showing me.