Jump to content

St Martin, Ludgate: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°30′50.55″N 0°6′6.99″W / 51.5140417°N 0.1019417°W / 51.5140417; -0.1019417
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m update infobox for unknown parms, replaced: | founded_date → | founded date, | constructed_date → | years built, | dedicated_date → | dedicated date, | closed_date → | closed date, | address → | location, | demoli using AWB
m Replace magic links with templates per local RfC and MediaWiki RfC
Line 43: Line 43:
}}
}}


'''St Martin, Ludgate''', is an [[Anglican]] church on [[Ludgate Hill]] in the ward of Farringdon, in the [[City of London]]. St Martin, Ludgate, also called St Martin within Ludgate, was rebuilt in 1677–84 by Sir [[Christopher Wren]].<ref>"The London Encyclopaedia" Hibbert,C;Weinreb,D;Keay,J: London, Pan Macmillan, 1983 (rev 1993,2008) ISBN 978-1-4050-4924-5</ref>
'''St Martin, Ludgate''', is an [[Anglican]] church on [[Ludgate Hill]] in the ward of Farringdon, in the [[City of London]]. St Martin, Ludgate, also called St Martin within Ludgate, was rebuilt in 1677–84 by Sir [[Christopher Wren]].<ref>"The London Encyclopaedia" Hibbert,C;Weinreb,D;Keay,J: London, Pan Macmillan, 1983 (rev 1993,2008) {{ISBN|978-1-4050-4924-5}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 49: Line 49:


[[File:St Martin, Ludgate Hill, London EC4 - East end - geograph.org.uk - 1197077.jpg|thumb|200px|Interior of St Martin Ludgate]]
[[File:St Martin, Ludgate Hill, London EC4 - East end - geograph.org.uk - 1197077.jpg|thumb|200px|Interior of St Martin Ludgate]]
[[St Martin of Tours]] is a [[Patron Saint]] of travelers. Churches which are dedicated to him often stand just within city gates. A blue plaque next to church records the earlier presence of Ludgate, demolished 1760. From the lower part of [[Fleet Street]] the steeple stands between the viewer and the dome of [[St Paul's Cathedral]]. Wren probably planned to make a contrast between the spiky steeple of St Martin's and the circular dome of St Paul's.<ref>"The Old Churches of London" Cobb,G: London, Batsford, 1942</ref> It is a curious combination of a lead-clad dome, topped by a lantern and on top of that a sharp obelisk steeple, somewhat like an exclamation mark.<ref>"The City of London Churches" [[John Betjeman|Betjeman,J]] Andover, Pikin, 1967 ISBN 0-85372-112-2</ref>
[[St Martin of Tours]] is a [[Patron Saint]] of travelers. Churches which are dedicated to him often stand just within city gates. A blue plaque next to church records the earlier presence of Ludgate, demolished 1760. From the lower part of [[Fleet Street]] the steeple stands between the viewer and the dome of [[St Paul's Cathedral]]. Wren probably planned to make a contrast between the spiky steeple of St Martin's and the circular dome of St Paul's.<ref>"The Old Churches of London" Cobb,G: London, Batsford, 1942</ref> It is a curious combination of a lead-clad dome, topped by a lantern and on top of that a sharp obelisk steeple, somewhat like an exclamation mark.<ref>"The City of London Churches" [[John Betjeman|Betjeman,J]] Andover, Pikin, 1967 {{ISBN|0-85372-112-2}}</ref>
[[File:Greek palindrome on the font.jpg|thumb|Palindrome on the font]]
[[File:Greek palindrome on the font.jpg|thumb|Palindrome on the font]]
In "The Roaring Girl, or Moll Cutpurse" by Dekker and Middleton, Sebastian says "The clock at Ludgate, sir, it ne'er goes true". This might refer to St Martin's church. "I owe you three farthings, say the bells of St Martin", might refer to this church, but is more likely to refer to [[St Martin Orgar]] in Cannon Street (previously Eastcheap). In 1614 [[Samuel Purchas]], a travel writer, became the rector. On the 17th century font there is a [[Greek language|Greek]] [[palindrome]] – ''[[Nipson anomemata me monan opsin]]'' (Cleanse my sin and not my face only). There is a 17th-century carved oak double churchwarden's chair<ref>"London:the City Churches” Pevsner,N/Bradley,S New Haven, Yale, 1998 ISBN 0-300-09655-0</ref> – the only one of its kind known to exist.
In "The Roaring Girl, or Moll Cutpurse" by Dekker and Middleton, Sebastian says "The clock at Ludgate, sir, it ne'er goes true". This might refer to St Martin's church. "I owe you three farthings, say the bells of St Martin", might refer to this church, but is more likely to refer to [[St Martin Orgar]] in Cannon Street (previously Eastcheap). In 1614 [[Samuel Purchas]], a travel writer, became the rector. On the 17th century font there is a [[Greek language|Greek]] [[palindrome]] – ''[[Nipson anomemata me monan opsin]]'' (Cleanse my sin and not my face only). There is a 17th-century carved oak double churchwarden's chair<ref>"London:the City Churches” Pevsner,N/Bradley,S New Haven, Yale, 1998 {{ISBN|0-300-09655-0}}</ref> – the only one of its kind known to exist.


The medieval church was repaired in 1623, only to be destroyed in the [[Great Fire of London]] in 1666. Rebuilding was not immediate, but was largely completed by 1680, finished in 1703. In 1669 a [[Roman Britain|Roman tombstone]], now in the [[Ashmolean Museum]], was found. The current design is topped by a lead-covered octagonal cupola supporting a balcony and tapered spire rising to a height of {{convert|158|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The centre of the church is in the form of a [[Greek cross]], with four large columns. The chandelier dates from about 1777 and comes from the [[West Indies]]. As a curiosity, this is from the burial register: "“1615, February 28, St. Martin’s, Ludgate, was buried an anatomy from the College of Physicians.” (It was first noticed by Andrew Lang, in an article in "Books and Bookmen"). The [[Royal College of Physicians]] were based in [[Amen Corner (London)|Amen Corner]], a few yards away from 1614 to 1666.<ref>Mentioned in Pepys Diary "Samuel Pepys – The Shorter Pepys" Latham,R(Ed) p484: Harmondsworth,1985 ISBN 0-14-009418-0</ref> In 1678 [[Robert Hooke]] designed a new hall in Warwick Lane, also nearby.
The medieval church was repaired in 1623, only to be destroyed in the [[Great Fire of London]] in 1666. Rebuilding was not immediate, but was largely completed by 1680, finished in 1703. In 1669 a [[Roman Britain|Roman tombstone]], now in the [[Ashmolean Museum]], was found. The current design is topped by a lead-covered octagonal cupola supporting a balcony and tapered spire rising to a height of {{convert|158|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The centre of the church is in the form of a [[Greek cross]], with four large columns. The chandelier dates from about 1777 and comes from the [[West Indies]]. As a curiosity, this is from the burial register: "“1615, February 28, St. Martin’s, Ludgate, was buried an anatomy from the College of Physicians.” (It was first noticed by Andrew Lang, in an article in "Books and Bookmen"). The [[Royal College of Physicians]] were based in [[Amen Corner (London)|Amen Corner]], a few yards away from 1614 to 1666.<ref>Mentioned in Pepys Diary "Samuel Pepys – The Shorter Pepys" Latham,R(Ed) p484: Harmondsworth,1985 {{ISBN|0-14-009418-0}}</ref> In 1678 [[Robert Hooke]] designed a new hall in Warwick Lane, also nearby.


The view from the steeple towards the river is spectacular. It was painted by T.M. Baynes.
The view from the steeple towards the river is spectacular. It was painted by T.M. Baynes.


In 1893 to 1894, the church underwent a major rebuilding and alteration, with the floor level raised, and many bodies disinterred from the churchyard and reburied at [[Brookwood Cemetery]].<ref>"The Brookwood Necroplois Railway" Clarke,J.M: Oasdale, Usk, 2006 ISBN 978-0-85361-655-9</ref>
In 1893 to 1894, the church underwent a major rebuilding and alteration, with the floor level raised, and many bodies disinterred from the churchyard and reburied at [[Brookwood Cemetery]].<ref>"The Brookwood Necroplois Railway" Clarke,J.M: Oasdale, Usk, 2006 {{ISBN|978-0-85361-655-9}}</ref>


In 1941, during the [[London Blitz]], a German [[incendiary bomb]] damaged the roof, but St Martin's received relatively little damage during the [[Second World War]]. In 1954 St Martin's became a Guild Church and was designated a Grade I [[listed building]] on 4 January 1950.<ref>{{IoE|199609|accessdate=23 January 2009}}</ref>
In 1941, during the [[London Blitz]], a German [[incendiary bomb]] damaged the roof, but St Martin's received relatively little damage during the [[Second World War]]. In 1954 St Martin's became a Guild Church and was designated a Grade I [[listed building]] on 4 January 1950.<ref>{{IoE|199609|accessdate=23 January 2009}}</ref>
Line 63: Line 63:
==Organ==
==Organ==
[[File:Father Harris organ in St Martin, Ludgate.jpg|thumb|The organ of St Martin, Ludgate]]
[[File:Father Harris organ in St Martin, Ludgate.jpg|thumb|The organ of St Martin, Ludgate]]
The organ is a Bernard Schmidt design dating from 1684.<ref>Pearce,C.W. “Notes on Old City Churches: their organs, organists and musical associations” London, Winthrop Rogers Ltd 1909</ref> There are carvings by [[Grinling Gibbons]] inside.<ref>"The Visitors Guide to the City of London Churches" Tucker,T: London, Friends of the City Churches, 2006 ISBN 0-9553945-0-3</ref> The contemporary carvings in the church are also attributed to three joiners, Athew, Draper and Poulden, and to the carvers Cooper and [[William Newman (woodcarver)|William Newman]].<ref>Bradley and Pevsner, ''London: The City Churches'', p. 103.</ref> There are organ recitals every other Monday; [[chamber music]] every Wednesday and Friday.
The organ is a Bernard Schmidt design dating from 1684.<ref>Pearce,C.W. “Notes on Old City Churches: their organs, organists and musical associations” London, Winthrop Rogers Ltd 1909</ref> There are carvings by [[Grinling Gibbons]] inside.<ref>"The Visitors Guide to the City of London Churches" Tucker,T: London, Friends of the City Churches, 2006 {{ISBN|0-9553945-0-3}}</ref> The contemporary carvings in the church are also attributed to three joiners, Athew, Draper and Poulden, and to the carvers Cooper and [[William Newman (woodcarver)|William Newman]].<ref>Bradley and Pevsner, ''London: The City Churches'', p. 103.</ref> There are organ recitals every other Monday; [[chamber music]] every Wednesday and Friday.


A specification of the organ can be found on the [http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N01538 National Pipe Organ Register].
A specification of the organ can be found on the [http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N01538 National Pipe Organ Register].

Revision as of 10:05, 1 July 2017

St. Martin, Ludgate
St Martin, Ludgate (with St Paul's in the background, right)
Map
LocationCity of London
CountryUnited Kingdom
DenominationAnglican
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade I listed building
Architect(s)Sir Christopher Wren
StyleBaroque
Administration
DioceseLondon

St Martin, Ludgate, is an Anglican church on Ludgate Hill in the ward of Farringdon, in the City of London. St Martin, Ludgate, also called St Martin within Ludgate, was rebuilt in 1677–84 by Sir Christopher Wren.[1]

History

Some legends connect the church with legendary King Cadwallo (now usually referred to as Cadwallon ap Cadfan, father of Cadwaladr. A sign on the front of the church reads "Cadwallo King of the Britons is said to have been buried here in 677". Modern historians would place his death about 682. Cadwallo's image was allegedly placed on Ludgate, to frighten away the Saxons. However, Middlesex and the London area were controlled by the Anglo-Saxon polities at that time and there is no evidence of British or any other occupation of the intramural area of the abandoned 'Londinium' since the late fourth century. Previously the sign stated that it was the West Saxon king Caedwalla but this was contradicted by Bede's writings that he was buried in Rome.[2] However the earliest written reference is from 1174. A Blackfriars monastery was built nearby in 1278. The church was rebuilt in 1437 and the tower was struck by lightning in 1561. The parish books start from 1410. Before the Reformation, the church was under the control of Westminster Abbey, and afterwards under St. Paul's Cathedral

Interior of St Martin Ludgate

St Martin of Tours is a Patron Saint of travelers. Churches which are dedicated to him often stand just within city gates. A blue plaque next to church records the earlier presence of Ludgate, demolished 1760. From the lower part of Fleet Street the steeple stands between the viewer and the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Wren probably planned to make a contrast between the spiky steeple of St Martin's and the circular dome of St Paul's.[3] It is a curious combination of a lead-clad dome, topped by a lantern and on top of that a sharp obelisk steeple, somewhat like an exclamation mark.[4]

Palindrome on the font

In "The Roaring Girl, or Moll Cutpurse" by Dekker and Middleton, Sebastian says "The clock at Ludgate, sir, it ne'er goes true". This might refer to St Martin's church. "I owe you three farthings, say the bells of St Martin", might refer to this church, but is more likely to refer to St Martin Orgar in Cannon Street (previously Eastcheap). In 1614 Samuel Purchas, a travel writer, became the rector. On the 17th century font there is a Greek palindrome – Nipson anomemata me monan opsin (Cleanse my sin and not my face only). There is a 17th-century carved oak double churchwarden's chair[5] – the only one of its kind known to exist.

The medieval church was repaired in 1623, only to be destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Rebuilding was not immediate, but was largely completed by 1680, finished in 1703. In 1669 a Roman tombstone, now in the Ashmolean Museum, was found. The current design is topped by a lead-covered octagonal cupola supporting a balcony and tapered spire rising to a height of 158 ft (48 m). The centre of the church is in the form of a Greek cross, with four large columns. The chandelier dates from about 1777 and comes from the West Indies. As a curiosity, this is from the burial register: "“1615, February 28, St. Martin’s, Ludgate, was buried an anatomy from the College of Physicians.” (It was first noticed by Andrew Lang, in an article in "Books and Bookmen"). The Royal College of Physicians were based in Amen Corner, a few yards away from 1614 to 1666.[6] In 1678 Robert Hooke designed a new hall in Warwick Lane, also nearby.

The view from the steeple towards the river is spectacular. It was painted by T.M. Baynes.

In 1893 to 1894, the church underwent a major rebuilding and alteration, with the floor level raised, and many bodies disinterred from the churchyard and reburied at Brookwood Cemetery.[7]

In 1941, during the London Blitz, a German incendiary bomb damaged the roof, but St Martin's received relatively little damage during the Second World War. In 1954 St Martin's became a Guild Church and was designated a Grade I listed building on 4 January 1950.[8]

Organ

The organ of St Martin, Ludgate

The organ is a Bernard Schmidt design dating from 1684.[9] There are carvings by Grinling Gibbons inside.[10] The contemporary carvings in the church are also attributed to three joiners, Athew, Draper and Poulden, and to the carvers Cooper and William Newman.[11] There are organ recitals every other Monday; chamber music every Wednesday and Friday.

A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Past organists at St Martin include:

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "The London Encyclopaedia" Hibbert,C;Weinreb,D;Keay,J: London, Pan Macmillan, 1983 (rev 1993,2008) ISBN 978-1-4050-4924-5
  2. ^ Tony Sharp: The Farringdon Wards of the City of London a ... History p59
  3. ^ "The Old Churches of London" Cobb,G: London, Batsford, 1942
  4. ^ "The City of London Churches" Betjeman,J Andover, Pikin, 1967 ISBN 0-85372-112-2
  5. ^ "London:the City Churches” Pevsner,N/Bradley,S New Haven, Yale, 1998 ISBN 0-300-09655-0
  6. ^ Mentioned in Pepys Diary "Samuel Pepys – The Shorter Pepys" Latham,R(Ed) p484: Harmondsworth,1985 ISBN 0-14-009418-0
  7. ^ "The Brookwood Necroplois Railway" Clarke,J.M: Oasdale, Usk, 2006 ISBN 978-0-85361-655-9
  8. ^ Historic England. "Details from listed building database ({{{num}}})". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 23 January 2009.
  9. ^ Pearce,C.W. “Notes on Old City Churches: their organs, organists and musical associations” London, Winthrop Rogers Ltd 1909
  10. ^ "The Visitors Guide to the City of London Churches" Tucker,T: London, Friends of the City Churches, 2006 ISBN 0-9553945-0-3
  11. ^ Bradley and Pevsner, London: The City Churches, p. 103.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to St Martin, Ludgate.

51°30′50.55″N 0°6′6.99″W / 51.5140417°N 0.1019417°W / 51.5140417; -0.1019417

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=St_Martin,_Ludgate&oldid=788429884"