(St.) Dionis Backchurch

   At the south-west corner of Lime Street, and on the north side of Fenchurch Street. In Billingsgate Ward (O.S. 1880).

   The parish extends also into Lime Street and Langbourn Wards.

   Earliest mention found in records : "St. Dionis in Lime Street," c. 1198-1214 (Anc. Deeds, A. 2710).

   Other names : "St. Dionis of Bakecherche," 1241-52 (ib. A. 7363). "St. Dionisius," 1259-60 (Ct. H.W. I. 6). "St. Dionisius Batcherch," 9 Ed. I. (ib. 51). "St. Dionisius de Bakcherche," 1299 (ib. 143). "St. Dyonisius de Baggechirche," 1303 (ib. 158). "St. Dyonisius de Gars-cherche," 1311 (ib. 222). "St. Dionysius de Grascherche," 1318 (ib. 280). "St. Dyonisius de Blakecherch," 1310 (ib. 216), St. Denys Bakchirche, 40 Ed. III. (Anc. Deeds, B. 2030). "St. Dionisius de Fanchirchestret," 7 Rich. II. (Cal. L. Bk. H. p. 217).

   New built in reign of H. VI., the arms of John Bugge, a restorer of the church, being carved in the stone work of the choir (S. 202).

   Chapel of St. John on south side added c. 1466 by John Darby (ib.). Middle aisle new laid 1629. Steeple repaired and new turret built 1632 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 152).

   Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt (ib.) 1674-84 (P.C. p. 57). First and poorest rebuilt.

   A Rectory. Patrons : Dean and Chapter of Canterbury. One of the peculiars, belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

   The materials were sold by auction August, 1878, and the church was taken down immediately afterwards (N. and Q. 5 S. XI. p. 57).

   Parish united to All Hallows, Lombard Street.

   The dedication is to St. Denys or Dionysius, the patron saint of France, who since the 9th century has been identified with Dionysius the Areopagite. It is the only church in the City with this dedication, and suggests the French influence which prevailed in England during the 11th and 12th centuries.

   The designation "Backchurch" indicates its position, standing back out of the main line of Fenchurch Street.