The church's website [visit link] tells us:
"The Saxon Abbey of Barking founded the church of All
Hallows by the Tower in 675 AD. An arch from the original Saxon church remains.
Beneath the arch is a Roman pavement, discovered in 1926, evidence of city life
on this site for the best part of two thousand years.
Following their execution on Tower Hill, numerous
beheaded bodies were brought into the church including those of Thomas More,
Bishop John Fisher and Archbishop Laud.
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, was baptised in
the church and educated in the schoolroom (now the Parish Room). In 1666 the
Great Fire of London started in Pudding Lane, a few hundred yards from the
church, and All Hallows survived through the efforts of Admiral Penn, William
Penn's father.
John Quincy Adams, sixth president of the USA, was
married in All Hallows in 1797.
In 1940 the church was bombed and only the tower and the
walls remained, but the late Queen Mother laid a new foundation stone in 1948
and attended the re-dedication service some nine years later.The Vicar at the
time was "Tubby" Clayton, founder of Toc H. The movement's lamp of maintenance
still burns in the Lady Chapel and the founder's effigy and body rest in the
church.
All Hallows continues an international ministry with a
strong relationship with The Church of the Epiphany, New York, Christ Church,
Philadelphia and the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, for whom All Hallows is the
London church."
The church is a Grade I listed building and the entry at the
English Heritage website [visit
link] tells us:
"Saxon and medieval building with brick tower of 1658 to
9. Burnt in World War II. Arcades, centre of east end, roof and steeple rebuilt
to new design by Seeley and Paget. Old walls, largely refaced, are of squared
rubble in C15 style. 2 storeyed north porch and vestry, late Cl9 or early C20 in
ornamental gothic style. 3 storeyed, C20 south-west wing of brick and stone.
Plain tower of red brick with wooden, modillion cornice and elaborate, copper
covered steeple rising through circular balustrade of Portland stone. Crypt
under south-east chapel. Some fittings from old church survive including
canopied stone monument to Sir John Cooke, 1477, and a number of medieval
brasses. Also very fine late C17 font cover, sword rests, stair balustrade etc.
In crypt are remains of later C2 or C3. Roman house including part of a corridor
and adjacent rooms. Ragstone walls, half timbered partitions and tessellated
floor (preserved below tower) (358 and 359). Later C7 or C8. Aisleless church
built of reused Roman material and incorporated in the early medieval church.
Arched doorway with Roman brick drawings, probably to former porticus, at west
end of church."
The church's website [visit link] advises of the times of
services:
"There has been a living Christian community on the site
of All Hallows since 675, and there is an active and friendly congregation which
meets here still today.
Our regular Sunday Eucharist at 11am draws a
congregation from around London, and is followed by a time to meet each other
over refreshments. On Wednesdays at 6pm our Taizé service provides a
contemplative space in which candlelight and meditative chant draw us closer to
God. We also have a full programme of daily services; please check the calendar
page for details.
The parish clergy are also available to discuss matters
of faith or just for a friendly confidential discussion, either after our
services or by appointment.
We build with confidence on the history and heritage of
the last 1300 years as we meet the challenges of the present and future, serving
our communities and journeying together in faith with all who seek
God."
The church's website [visit link] also tells
us about tours of the church and environs:
"FREE GUIDED TOURS of the church are available most days
from 2-4pm between April and October. Led by qualified Guides, these short
highlight tours take you back in time to the foundation of All Hallows in 675AD,
and present the ideal opportunity to hear first hand about its history. Located
next to the Tower of London, All Hallows has a long and fascinating story to be
told
HERITAGE TOURS FOR GROUPS are also available by
arrangement throughout the year. These tours last approx one hour and must be
pre-booked, and there is a charge of £5 per person. Please contact the church
office (020 7481 2928 or email parish@ahbtt.org.uk) for
more details.
GUIDED WALKS: All Hallows also
offers a series of guided walks around different aspects of the City led by
experienced City of London guides. The walks cost £7 per person and take between
90 minutes-2 hours. No need to book in advance, just turn up on the
day."