Fleet St, London EC4Y 8AU

It’s one of the most beautiful churches in London; a replacement for the original St. Bride’s, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. Designed by Christopher Wren, the church we see today opened to the public in 1675 (although it remained incomplete builders added that distinctive steeple in 1703).

St. Bride’s has often been called “the journalists’ church.” In 1501, Wynken de Worde, an apprentice to William Caxton, set up England’s first printing press (with moveable type) in St. Bride’s churchyard. Since then, the church has been associated with the media.

The church’s website details its rich history (beginning with Roman construction) here. The briskly written chapters make a satisfying read.  And you’ll discover wonderful nuggets of information–for example, although the traditional wedding cake is (allegedly) modeled after this church’s steeple, “St. Bride” is actually another name for “St. Brigid.”

If (when) you’re next in London, St. Bride’s is well worth a stop. It’s lovely interior provides a welcome respite to the City’s frenzy, and there’s a crypt to explore as well.