Michael (St.) by Christ Church - Michael's (St.) Almshouses

A Dictionary of London. Originally published by H Jenkins LTD, London, 1918.

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'Michael (St.) by Christ Church - Michael's (St.) Almshouses', in A Dictionary of London, (London, 1918) pp. . British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/dictionary-of-london/michael-by-christ-church-michaels-almshouses [accessed 19 March 2024]

In this section

Michael (St.) by Christ Church

See Michael (St.) Aldgate.

Michael (St.) Candlewick Street

See Michael (St.) Crooked Lane.

Michael (St.) Candlewick Street, Lane of

See Miles's Lane.

Michael (St.) Coldabey

Parish of St. Michael Coldabey, 1290 (Ct. H.W. I. 92).

Probably an error for St. Nicholas Cole Abbey.

Michael (St.) Crokede lane, Lane of

See Miles's Lane.

Michael (St.) Crooked Lane

On the east side of St. Michael's Lane or Crooked Lane, as it is named in some maps (Elmes, 1831). In Candlewick Ward. The parish extends into Bridge Ward Within.

Earliest mention : "St. Michael Candelwestrete," 55 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2023).

Other names and forms of names : "St. Michael Candelwrihtstrate," 56 H. III. (ib. A. 2045). "St. Michael Candelwykestrete," 1275 (Cal. L. Bk. B. p. 256). "St. Michael. de Crokedelane," 10 Ed. I. 1281-2 (Cal. L. Bk. A. p. 153). "St. Michael towards London. Bridge," 1283 (Ct. H.W. I. 66). "St. Michael de la Crokedelane," 1323-4 (Ct. H.W. I. 307). "St. Michael atte Crokedelane," 1324 (Cal. P.R. Ed. II. 1321-4, p. 413). "St. Michael in Crokelane," 1340-1 (Ct. H.W. I. 443). "St. Michael en le Crokedlane," 1361 (Ct. H.W. II. 71).

There was a chapel to St. Mary in the Church 1368 (Ct. H.W. II. 117) and another chapel in the churchyard, 1351 (ib. I. 653), called "Trinite Chapell" in (Arnold's Chron. p. 254, 1500-1521).

Stow says that the church existing in his time was built by John Lofken, stock fishmonger, who was Mayor 1348, 1358, 1365 and 1366, the previous church being much smaller and only occupying the site of what was the parsonage house in Stow's time (S. 220). It appears from the Ct. of Hustings Wills II. 117, that John Lovekyn was buried before the altar in the middle of St. Mary's Chapel in the church of St. Michael.

Sir Wm. Walworth built the Quire and side Chapels and founded in the church a College for a master and 9 priests or Chaplains (S. 220-2). Referred to in Cal. L. Bk. I. pp. 283 and 285.

The cemetery was enlarged 16 Rich. II. 1392 (Cal. P.R. Rich. II. 1391-6, p. 119).

The steeple was built 1501 (S. 223).

Repaired and beautified 1610 and roof rebuilt of timber 1621. Destroyed in the Fire 1666 and rebuilt 1688. Beautified and steeple finished 1698 (Strype, ed. 1720, I.ii.185).

South Ile or chapel called the Fishmongers' Chapel (ib. 187).

Bequest for its weekly cleaning, 1662, in Will of John Cooke (End. Ch. Rep. 1903, p. 10).

A Rectory. Patrons : Prior and convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, afterwards the Archbishop of Canterbury. A peculiar under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop.

Church removed under Act of Parliament of 1830 for the formation of the approaches to the new London Bridge, and services performed in it for the last time on March 20th, 1831. The parish is united to St. Magnus the Martyr.

The greater portion of the site is occupied by the roadway of King William Street.

In 17 Chas. II. there were certain houses in the parish with a cloister known as "The College" belonging to the parish, but they do not seem now to exist (End. Ch. Rep. 1903, pp. 7 and 8).

Two pointed arches in the Wall bounding the churchyard of St. Michael brought to light by the demolition of surrounding buildings in 1831 suggest the remains of an old crypt of the 12th century. They seem to lie too far east to occupy the site of the original church, but might possibly be the crypt of the mansion called the Leaden Porch (Gent. Mag. Lib. XVI. pp. 55 and 56).

After the removal of this church for the formation of the approaches to the New London Bridge the ground was opened for the construction of a sewer in 1831, and argillaceous earth, native earth, was found at a depth of 17 ft., and 20 ft. deeper, through a stratum of red gravel, the blue clay was found (Arch. XXV. 601-2). A Roman pavement 14 ft. square was found under the site of the church at a depth of 10 ft. (ib., and XXIV.). On the southern boundary of St. Michael's Churchyard, an urn and coins were taken out of the natural loam at a depth of 17 ft. The natural gravel bed below was intersected with holes and square pits, probably cess-pools (ib.).

Michael (St.) Crooked Lane Churchyard

On the south and east sides of the church (O. and M. 1677-Rocque, 1746).

The churchyard was enlarged in 16 Rich. II. 1392 by the addition of two pieces of land, measuring in all 147 ft. in length and 27 ft. in breadth (Cal. P.R. Rich. II. 1391-6, p. 119).

King Edward III. in the 19th year of his reign granted a piece of ground abutting on Eastcheap for the enlargement of the Cemetery of the Church and for the construction of houses for the repair of the fabric of the Church (End. Ch. Rep. 1903, St. Michael's parish, p. 5).

These two houses were afterwards known as Nos. 3 and 4 Eastcheap, the back of one of them forming part of the Boar's Head Tavern (ib. 9). Sold for formation of approaches to the new London Bridge (ib.).

The butchers of Estchepe acquired a place in the high street adjoining the wall of St. Michael's Churchyard for their lives, 17 Ed. II. (Cal. L. Bk. E. p. 183).

Cleared away 1831 for the formation of the new approaches to London Bridge.

Michael (St.) Huggin Lane

"St. Michael de Hoggenelane," 1275 and 1310 (Ct. H.W. I. 25, 215). "St. Michael in Hoggenelane," 1301 and 1363 (ib. I. 154, and II. 79). "St. Michael de Hoggenecherch," 1298 (ib. I. 135). "St. Michael in Hoggynlane," 1368 (ib. II. 115).

Qy.=St. Michael Wood Street, or St. Michael Queenhithe.

Michael (St.) in Foro ad Bladum

See Michael (St.) le Quern.

Michael (St.) in Fridaistrete

Tenement of John de Derby in parish of St. Michis apli in Fridaistrete, 26 Ed. I. (West. Abbey MSS. temp. Rich. II. Parcel 44 (12)).

This must be a clerical error in transcription for St. Matthew, Friday Street.

Michael (St.) juxta Macellum

Agreement between the canons of St. Paul and Roger the priest concerning the church of St. Michael, "quae est juxta macellum," by which the canons grant him the church at a yearly rent of 30 solide, 12th cent. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 64).

St. Michael of the Shambles, mentioned in Inquisition of London Churches, I 181 (ib. p. 68).

Surely an error in transcript for St. Nicholas ad Macellas.

Michael (St.) le Querne

At the extreme western end of Cheapside, between Blow Bladder Street north and Paternoster Row south. In Farringdon Ward Within (Leake, 1666).

The parish extends into Aldersgate Ward.

First mention : "St Michael que fundata est ante portam Sancti Pauli," 12th cent. (H MSS. Com. 9th Rep. 20). "St Michael de Foro," 12th cent. (ib. 64).

Other forms : "St Michael where corn is sold," 1258-9 (Ct. H.W. I. 3). "Sancti Mich' ad bladum," 3 Ed. I. (Rot. Hund I. 404). "St. Michael le Quern," 1260 (Ct. H W. I. 7). "Par. S. Michis in capite fori de sopis ad portam cimiterii," 1285 (MS. D. and C St. Paul's, Lib. L. 93). "St. Michael atte Corn," 1297-8 (Ct. H.W. I. 131). "St. Michael in Foro ad Bladum," 31 Ed. I. (Lib. Cust. I. 229 and 233). "St. Michael atte Corne by the church of St. Paul," 1320 (Cal. P.R. Ed. II. 1317-21, p. 442). "Seint Myghell atte Querne in Chepesyde," 26 H. VIII. (Anc. Deeds, A. 13611).

Licence granted to enlarge the Church on a part of the common soil of the City, 8 H VI. (Cal. L. Bk. K. p. 106).

Repaired and beautified 1617. Burnt in the Fire and not rebuilt.

Parish united to St. Vedast, Foster Lane (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 191).

Conduit in place of the Church (ib.).

A Rectory. Patrons : Canons of St. Paul's, afterwards the Dean and Chapter.

The derivation of the name is clearly shown by the form given above "St. Michael where corn is sold," 1258-9, the church being situated at the western end of the great market of the City.

The "Querne" in M.E.=a "handmill" for crushing corn.

Michael (St.) Queenhithe

On the north side of Upper Thames Street, between Little Trinity Lane east and Huggin lane west. In Queenhithe Ward (O.S. 1880).

Earliest mention found in records : "St. Michael de Aedredeshuda," 12th cent. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. 63).

Other names : "St. Michael upon Thames," 1196 (Anc. Deeds, A. 2507). "St. Michael super Ripam Regine," before 1222 (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 22). "St. Michael de Hutha Regina," c. 1228 (ib.). "St. Michael Queenhithe," 1273-4 (Ct. H.W. I. 18). "St Michael in huda," 1285 (MS. D. and C. St. Paul's, Lib. L. 93). "St. Michael de Quenheth," 1294 (Ct. H.W. I. 114). "St. Michael at Queneheth," 13S2 (ib. 665), "St. Michael de la Quenehuth," 1361 (ib. II. 69). "St. Michael de Qwenehith," 1421-2 ib. 428).

Walter, son-in-law of David and William the priest of St. Michael de Aedredeshuda, granted the church to the Canons of St Paul on payment of 10 solidi annually (H. MSS. Com 9th Rep. 63).

Repaired and beautified 1615. Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt, Holy Trinity the less being united to it (Strype, ed 1720, I. iii. 212).

A Rectory. Patrons : The Canons of St Paul's, and later the Dean and Chapter.

Parish united to St. James Garlickhithe and church taken down 1876.

Graveyard disused shown on the north side of the church (O.S. 1880).

See Michael (St.) Huggin Lane.

Michael (St.) super Ripam Regine

See Michael (St.) Queenhithe.

Michael (St.) towards London Bridge

See Michael (St.) Crooked Lane.

Michael (St.) upon Thames

See Michael (St.) Queenhithe.

Michael (St.) Wood Street

On the west side of Wood Street, and north side of Huggin Lane. In Cripplegate Ward Within (O.S. 1880).

The parish extends into Farringdon Ward Within.

First mention found in records : " St. Michael of Wood Street," temp. Rich. I. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2718).

Other forms : "St. Michael de Wudestrate," c. 1225 (H. MSS. Corn. 9th Rep. 21). "St. Michael in Wodestrate," 1279-80 (Ct. H.W. I. 45). "St. Michael Hoggenelane," 7 Ed. I. 1279 (Cal. Ch. Rolls, II. 214). "St. Michael de Hoggenelane," 1282 (Cal. L. Bk. A. 154). "St. Michael de Hoggenelane or de Wodestrate," Deeds temp. H. III. and Ed. I. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 21). "St. Michael in Wodestret near Hoggenelane," 1361 (Ct. H.W. II. 33). "St. Michael de Hoggenelane de Wodestrete," 1327 (ib. I. 327).

John Brown by his Will proved 1422 gave to the Rector and parishioners a piece of void ground to enlarge the church and build a steeple (End. Ch. 1903, p. 2).

Repaired 16 Rich. II. and again shortly before Stow wrote (S. 299, 300). Again repaired and beautified 1620.

New door made 1627 into Wood Street, opened previously into Huggin Lane (Strype ed. 1720, I. iii. 80).

Burnt in the Fire 1666 and rebuilt 1673. Renovated 1830-1 and 1888.

Parish of St. Mary Staining united to it (ib. 91).

Taken down 1894 and the parish united to St. Alban Wood Street.

Site of St. Michael's now occupied by a Bank.

A Rectory. Patrons : Abbot of St. Albans until temp. H. VIII. when, upon the dissolution of the monasteries, it passed into the hands of the Crown and thence in course of time to the parishioners.

Michael (St.), Paternoster Royal

On the east side of College Hill at No. 20 at its junction with College Street. In Vintry Ward (P.O. Directory).

The parish extends into Dowgate Ward.

Earliest mention : "St. Michael of Paternosterchierch," 3 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2387). "Pater Noster cherche," 1241-2 (ib. 7824). "St. Michael of Paternostres cherche," c. 1276 (ib. A. 7823). "S. Michael in the Riole," 1361 (Ct. H.W. II. 41). "S. Michael in the Roialle called Whittyngdons College," 1508-9 (ib. 614). "St. Michael called Whytyngton Colledge, alias St. Michael Pater Noster alias St. Michael in the Royall," 3 Ed. VI. (Lond. I. p.m. I. 109).

In 11 H. IV. 1409, part of a vacant plot of land in the street called "le Ryole" in thc parish of St. Michael Paternosterchirche was granted to John White, parson of the church, to build anew a parish church to St. Michael the Archangel with a cemetery (Cal. P.R. H. IV. 1408-13, p. 152).

The church to be larger than the present small, dilapidated church (Cal. L. Bk. I. pp. 77-78).

New built and made a college of S. Spirit and S. Mary founded by Richard Whittington, Mercer, Mayor (S. 244).

Letters patent granted for the foundation, 3 H. VI. (Cal. P.R. H. VI. 1429-36, p. 214).

Whittington buried there.

Church repaired and beautified 1630 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 5).

No new monuments since the rebuilding, except to T. Coulson (ib.).

Burnt in the Fire, rebuilt and finished 1694 (ib. 6).

Strype describes it as in his day a curious Free-stone building with Battlements and a lofty towered steeple (ib. 13).

A Rectory. Patrons : The Mercers' Company and now the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury. A peculiar of Canterbury (ib.).

After the Fire, the parish of St. Martin Vintry was united to it.

Newcourt says it was always in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, and that the Mercers' Company only nominated the Master of Whittington's College until its suppression by Henry VIII. (I. p. 409).

Named "in the Royal" from the street of "La Riole," in which it was situated (q.v.).

It may have been called Paternoster church after the makers of Paternosters, who probably had their shops in Paternoster church lane.

Michael's (St.) Alley

South out of Cornhill at No. 42 (P.O. Directory). On the west side of St. Michael's Church in Cornhill Ward.

First mention : 1652 (Aubrey's Anecdotes, II. 224).

Former names: "Longe Aley" (Overall, xi.). "Michael's Alley," 1677 (O. and M.).

At this time and as late as 1720 it extended also along the south side of the churchyard on the site of Castle Court, Birchin Lane (q.v.).

Qy.=Church Alley (q.v.).

Named after the church.

Michael's (St.) Almshouses

North and east of St. Michael Paternoster Royal Church (Horwood, 1799).

Former name : "Whittington's Almshouses" (q.v.). (Strype, ed. 1720-Dodsley, 1761).

The site was afterwards occupied by Mercers' School.