St Bride's Church, City of London

St Bride's Church is an Anglican church on Fleet Street in the City of London, often called the "journalists' church". Its tall, tiered steeple is one of the most recognisable landmarks around Ludgate Circus.

What is the history of St Bride's?

The church is dedicated to St Bridget of Kildare, and tradition places a site of worship here as early as the 6th century. The present building is at least the seventh church on the site. Its predecessor burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666, and Christopher Wren was commissioned to design the replacement, which went up in the 1670s as part of his well-known series of post-fire churches.

In 1940, during the Blitz, the interior was gutted. Only the outer walls and the steeple survived. The church was rebuilt in the 1950s, with part of the cost covered by the major Fleet Street newspapers.

Why is the steeple so famous?

The steeple is roughly 69 to 71 metres tall (sources give slightly different figures) and is counted among the tallest of Wren's towers, second only to St Paul's Cathedral. It rises in several stages that narrow toward the top, giving it a distinctive layered profile.

According to a popular legend, that profile inspired the shape of the traditional tiered wedding cake, with the story usually tied to a baker near Ludgate Circus. It is a folk tale rather than documented fact, so treat it as a fun curiosity.

What is the connection with the press?

For centuries Fleet Street was home to printers, publishers and newspaper offices. Many press workers worshipped at St Bride's when their offices and print works stood nearby. Newspapers began leaving the street in the 1980s, and the exodus ended symbolically in 2005 when Reuters departed. The church keeps the tradition alive with an annual carol service for journalists and a November service remembering media workers who died in the line of duty. A memorial in the north aisle honours journalists killed while working.

Any other notable links?

Samuel Pepys, author of the famous diary of Restoration London, was baptised here. If you are interested in 17th-century London, that is one more reason to step inside.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St Bride's Church? On Fleet Street in the City of London, near Ludgate Circus. Coordinates: about 51.5138 N, 0.1058 W.

Was the church designed by Wren? Yes, the current building was designed by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. It was rebuilt after the damage of 1940.

Why is it called the journalists' church? Because of its position on Fleet Street, the historic centre of British newspapers, and its traditions of services and commemorations for media workers.

Is it true the steeple inspired the wedding cake? It is a popular legend with no documentary proof, but guides like to repeat it.

Who is this place for? Architecture fans and anyone interested in London history or the press. A visit fits well into a walk between St Paul's Cathedral and the Temple.