St Dunstan in the East Church Garden – The Thousand-Year-Old Ruins
Despite of being located in the heart of London, St Dunstan in the East looks nothing like part of a busy city life. In fact, the ruins of the thousand-year-old church is more like an epic time machine with its monumental glassless windows grown with ivy and bushes.
Brief History
The Monk
St Dunstan was built in the 10th century and named upon a monk with colourful life. He survived brushes of black magic and leprosy. He became the treasurer and chief adviser of King Eadred and the Queen-mother. But soon after he was obliged to take refuge in Flanders, Edgar the Peacemaker called him back to become Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Church
St Dunstan church severely damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Rather than completely rebuilt it was patched up and a steeple and a tower were added in 1695-1701.
In 1941 the church was severely damaged again by bombing. Only the steeple and the tower survived.
After the WWII the church was decided not to be rebuilt. Instead, in 1967 the remains were decided to turn into a public garden, which opened in 1970.
Today
Today St Dunstan in the East is an unusual and gorgeous secret green spot in the middle of the buzzing city. An impressive place to take epic photos for your Instagram or to hire the entire venue for wedding, filming or special events.
Ready for your next adventure? Why not visit London’s oldest church, All Hallows By the Tower which is just in the neighbourhood?