London Free GuideLondon Free GuideLondon Free Guide nazar, warding off the evil eye
ExploreFree A–ZGuidesDay TripsFirst TimeCalendarHire us
devils put up to spite a vicar

The Cornhill Devils

FreeHidden gem
City of London · Bank
Get directions

Three leering terracotta devils glaring down from a City building, placed out of spite in a Victorian quarrel with a vicar.

Getting there. On the building beside St Peter upon Cornhill in the City, near Bank station.
Free curiosity
ALWAYS
FREE
City of London · Bank
LONDON FREE GUIDE

The lowdown

High on a building next to the church of St Peter upon Cornhill perch three fierce red terracotta devils, glaring down at the street with a story to match. When the architect drew up plans in the 1890s, the vicar of the neighbouring church objected that the new building encroached on church land, and after a bitter row the architect got his way.

In revenge, he had the grimacing devils added to the side facing the church, positioned to leer down at the vicar forever. One is even said to resemble the clergyman himself. It is free to find, a wonderfully petty and very human piece of architectural score-settling preserved in the City skyline.

Locals only

The insider tip

The bit we only tell the people on the list. Join free and every insider tip unlocks on this device.

Look up to the upper storeys on the Cornhill side beside the church to spot the three red devils. Local legend says the lowest one was given the vicar's own face, so see what you think.
One tap unlocks every insider tip on this device and gets you the weekly free-London email. No spam, leave any time.

More like this

Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
Hidden gem
Free
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
Two little mice nibbling cheese on a City wall, said to be London's smallest public sculpture with a tragic backstory.
Viewable any time
City of London · MonumentGoogle Maps
Hidden gem
Monument to Hodge the Cat
Free
Monument to Hodge the Cat
A bronze of Dr Johnson's beloved cat sitting on his dictionary in Gough Square, beside the great writer's former home.
Square always open
City of London · Chancery LaneGoogle Maps
Hidden gem
Signs of Old Lombard Street
Free
Signs of Old Lombard Street
Ornate hanging signs that still swing above the City's historic banking street, survivors of a time before street numbers.
Viewable any time
City of London · BankGoogle Maps
Back to Explore

Get it in your inbox

One email a week with the best free things to do in London this weekend. Before everyone else finds them.

No spam. One tap to leave. We never sell your email.
Follow everywhere, same content
InstagramTikTokSubstackXThreadsFacebook