The church of Stepney's heart

The church of Stepney's heart

Learn about the history of Stepney's medieval Anglican church: St Dunstan's, where bishops once lived and callings took shape.

Stepney's historic Anglican church, St Dunstan's, stands as the geographical and historical heart of this medieval and industrial area in London. Built in about AD 952 by the then Bishop of London, St Dunstan, the church served as his own residence, and it is believed that Dunstan himself played a hands-on role in the original construction, adjusting the alignment within the pre-dug trench. This reflects the chieftain's association with saints in Anglo-Saxon times. The church's dedication to St Dunstan and All Saints is a testament to this early history.

The earliest surviving parts of the church were built mainly in the 15th century. Today, the church stands as a Grade I listed building and is known for its unique history and significance to the area. Although destroyed by fire in 1901, it was later re-opened and restored in 1902, making it a testament to the community's resilience and the power of preservation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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