St Mary-le-Bow
born within the sound of bow bells
The Wren church whose Bow Bells define a true Cockney, with a peaceful crypt cafe beneath, free to enter.
Free to visit · City of London · Mansion House · EC2V 6AU
Opening: Weekdays · respect services
By ancient tradition, only those born within the sound of the Bow Bells of St Mary-le-Bow can call themselves true Cockneys, which once meant most of the East End could hear this Cheapside church across the rooftops. Rebuilt by Wren after the Great Fire, it has one of his most graceful steeples soaring over the City.
It is free to step inside, and beneath the church a Norman crypt, among the oldest structures in the City, now houses a calm little cafe. Between the famous bells, the architecture and the ancient vaults, it is a lovely free pause in the busy heart of the old City.
Getting there: On Cheapside in the City, a couple of minutes from Mansion House or St Paul's.
Best time to go: A weekday, when the church and crypt cafe are open to City workers.
Insider tip: Head down to the Norman crypt, one of the oldest spaces in the City, now a peaceful cafe. The bells you hear are the legendary Bow Bells that define who counts as a real Cockney.
Official site: https://www.stmarylebow.co.uk
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide