The Cornhill Devils
devils put up to spite a vicar
Three leering terracotta devils glaring down from a City building, placed out of spite in a Victorian quarrel with a vicar.
Free to visit · City of London · Bank · EC3V 3ND
Opening: Viewable any time
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.
Getting there: On the building beside St Peter upon Cornhill in the City, near Bank station.
Best time to go: Daytime, looking up beside St Peter's church on Cornhill.
Insider tip: 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.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide