03/03/2022
Did you know we operate out of one of the oldest churches in London?
St Clements is perhaps best known for its famous nursery rhyme; “Oranges and lemons/ Say the bells of St Clements”. Being situated next to the Thames, the Church often saw citrus fruits being carried up and down the market streets, as Eastcheap became the most predominant street in Medieval London.
Prior to this, it is thought the Church had Roman origins, as three-feet thick walls and tessellated tiles are just a few of the things found on St Clements Lane.
In fact, St Clements Church was destroyed, in the most part, by the Great Fire of London in 1666. Consequently, Sir Christopher Wren designed and rebuilt the historic grounds, with an additional east extension coming years later.
Most surprisingly, it is said that in July 1645 the poet John Milton was reconciled with his estranged wife Mary Powell, in St Clement's churchyard where Mary was lodging. Milton's description in Paradise Lost of the reconciliation of Adam and Eve draws, apparently, on the real life reconciliation between Milton and his wife.
It seems the perfect grounds for our historic pieces!
