St Dunstan In The West London

Hey there, coffee in hand? Let's chat about this little gem tucked away in the heart of London, St Dunstan In The West. You might've walked by it a hundred times and thought, "What's that quirky place?" Well, grab a seat, 'cause I'm about to spill the beans.

First things first, where's this mysterious place?

Alright, so picture this: you're strolling down Fenchurch Street, right? You know, that bustling street with all the suits and skyscrapers? Now, imagine you take a sharp left into a quiet little alley called St Dunstan's Hill. Suddenly, it's like you've stepped into a secret, medieval hideaway. That's where you'll find our friend, St Dunstan In The West.

Now, who's this Dunstan guy?

Great question! Dunstan was a big deal back in the day. He was an Archbishop, a saint, and even a kingmaker. Legend has it, he pulled out a naughty king's eye with a red-hot iron poker. Ouch! But that's a story for another coffee break. Our church here was named after him, and it's been standing strong since the 12th century. Can you believe it?

But here's the kicker: this isn't your average old church. Oh no, it's got a twist. It's teeny-tiny! I mean, it's like the shrunken head of churches. You'd think they'd call it 'St Dunstan In The Pocket', right? But no, they went with 'In The West'. Go figure.

So, what's the big deal about this tiny church?

Well, aside from its size, this place is full of surprises. First off, it's got a seriously cool history. It's one of the few churches to survive the Great Fire of London in 1666. How's that for a lucky break?

City of London St Dunstan in the West | National Churches Trust

And get this, it's got a crypt! Yes, you heard it right. A crypt! It's like a real-life Indiana Jones adventure, but with fewer snakes and more dust. You can even see the remains of the old Roman wall that once protected London. How's that for a history lesson?

But wait, there's more!

This little church is also home to some seriously impressive art. We're talking paintings by the likes of William Blake and Joshua Reynolds. And if that's not enough, there's even a sculpture by Henry Moore. Fancy, huh?

Secret London Attractions: St Dunstan In The East - Glory of the Snow

Oh, and here's a fun fact for you: the church's clock tower is known as the 'Elm Tree'. Why, you ask? Well, because it looks like an elm tree, of course! I mean, who needs logic when you've got creativity, right?

But is it worth a visit?

Absolutely! I mean, it's not every day you get to see a tiny, ancient church packed with history and art, tucked away in the heart of a bustling city. It's like finding a hidden treasure in your grandma's attic. Plus, it's free to visit. I know, right? Free! What more could you want?

So next time you're in London, do yourself a favor and pop into St Dunstan In The West. It's a little slice of history that'll make you smile. Just don't forget to look up, or you might miss it altogether!