Watercolour of St Mary Woolnoth.St Mary Woolnoth is an Anglican church located at the corner of Lombard Street and King William Street near Bank junction in the City of London. It is a Grade I listed building designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in the English Baroque style and completed in 1727. The church features striking architectural elements, including flat-topped turrets and geometric designs.
The site has been used for worship since at least the 12th century, possibly earlier, with Roman remains discovered during reconstruction suggesting ancient significance. The name “Woolnoth” may refer to a Saxon nobleman, Wulfnoth Cild, or connections to the wool trade. The current building replaced earlier structures damaged by the Great Fire of London and subsequent instability.
St Mary Woolnoth is notable for its association with figures like John Newton, anti-slavery campaigner and hymnist, and William Wilberforce, who worshipped there. It also survived threats from urban development and the Blitz