(St.) Clement, Eastcheap

   On the east side of Clement's Lane at No. 27 (P.O. Directory). In Candlewick Ward. The parish extends into Langbourne and Bridge Within Wards.

   Earliest mention: "St. Clement Candlewickstrate," 27 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2138).

   In a confirmation of grants to Westminster Abbey by William 1., 1067, mention is made of the church of St. Clement unjustly usurped by Ha 4 mo dapifer, but now restored (Cott. Ch. vi. 3, B.M.).

   Probably refers to St. Clement Eastcheap.

   Forms of name : "St. Clement by Kandelwrithtestrete" (temp. H. III. Anc. Deeds, A. 2044). "St. Clement in Candlewystrate," 1280-1 (Ct. H.W. I. 51). "St. Clement in Kandelwycstt" 1285 (MSS. D. and C. St.Paul's Lib. L. ff. 115-18). "St. Clement in Candelwer3tstrete," 1298-9 (Ct. H.W. I. p. 139). "St.Clement de Estchepe," 31 Ed. I. (Lib. Cust. I. 229). "St. Clement the Little by Estchepe," 1362 (Cal. P.R. Ed. III. 1361-4, p. 180). "St. Clement in Lumbard stret" (Arnold's Chronicle, p. 77). Chapel of St. Mary in the Church, 1349 (Ct. H.W. I. 551).

   Repaired and beautified 1632. Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt in 1686 by Sir C. Wren, and the parish of St. Martin Orgar united to it (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 183, 190).

   A Rectory. Patron : before the dissolution of the monasteries, the Abbot of Westminster, now the Bishop of London, who presents alternately with the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's for St. Martin Orgar.

   The dedication to St. Clement is unusual in London, as there is only one other church dedicated to this saint, namely St. Clement Danes, Westminster.