On Saturday 26th October, the historic site of Aldermanbury Garden in the heart of London’s financial hub will be rededicated by the City of London Corporation, America’s National Churchill Museum, and Westminster College as part of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Winston Churchill.
Aldermanbury Garden was the site of Christopher Wren’s St Mary the Virgin, before it was destroyed in the Blitz. The popular garden has since been renovated, with the help of America’s National Churchill Museum and Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
The church of St Mary, once nestled in the heart of the City of London, has a rich history. It is believed that the church was originally built in 1181, though it was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was then redesigned by the renowned architect, Christopher Wren.
However, St Mary’s was then again destroyed by the Blitz in 1940. After the site was bombed, only the walls stood remaining.
In 1966, the remnants of the church were transported to Westminster College in Missouri – the same site where Winston Churchill made his famous 1946 speech coining the term, “iron curtain”. The church still stands there to this day.
As part of the celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Winston Churchill, Aldermanbury Garden shall be rededicated, recognising the historic events which have occurred at the garden and the church of St Mary.
The Reverend Paul Kennedy, Rector of St Vedast-alias-Foster, said,
“Both St Mary’s and Aldermanbury Garden have been part of so many important moments in British, and indeed international, history. They both stand as iconic symbols of London’s plight and resilience during the Blitz, which has been reinforced by the link that St Mary’s subsequently came to have with Winston Churchill himself.
“I am delighted to see the rededication taking place at Aldermanbury Garden, especially in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth.”
The rededication ceremony will be followed by a choral Evensong at the nearby parish church of St Vedast, which will conclude in a festive celebration and sherry reception.
The event is free of charge and open to the public, though there is the opportunity to register to help plan light refreshments, via this webpage.