A medieval church built in the 1180s in London and destroyed twice has existed in Missouri for more than 50 years. That church is now undergoing a $6 million renovation with the hope that it will ensure the church’s survival for generations to come.
The earliest traces of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury go back to the 12th century. William Shakespeare lived a block away and two of his actors were churchwardens. Famed English poet John Milton was married there.
As London grew, the parish church thrived until it was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. Prominent architect Christopher Wren who is most notably known as the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral was charged with designing and rebuilding St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury along with some 50 other parish churches.
St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury thrived for a couple…
