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."
A Bing bird's eye view of the church can be seen here.