(St.) John the Baptist, Walbrook

   On the west side of Dowgate Hill, at the north-east corner of Cloak lane (Leake, 1666). In Walbrook Ward, the parish extends into Walbrook, Cordwainer, Dowgate and Vintry Wards.

   Earliest mention: "St. John upon Walebroc," 5 Rich. I. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2462).

   Other forms : "St. John de Walebroc," 1181-1204 (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 13). "St. John super Walebroc," 12th cent. (ib. 63). "St. John Walebrok," 1241-52 (Anc. Deeds, A. 7296). "St. John in Walebrok," 24 Ed. I. (Ch. I. p.m. (80)). "St. John Baptist" (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 200).

   Granted by the Canons of St. Paul's to Peter the priest on payment annually of 2 solidos each year and after his death to a "clericus" chosen by him on payment annually of 4 solidos, 12th cent. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 13).

   In 1412 a grant was made to the Rector and parishioners of the church of St. John de Walbrooke of a piece of waste land to the north of the choir of the church, 21 ft. long, 7 ft. 3 in. broad, together with one foot of the public soil of the City to the south of the choir, for the enlargement of the church, in exchange for 51/2 ft. of land to the east of the choir given up for the enlargement of the highway, 13 H. IV. (Cal. L. Bk. I. p. 102). Rebuilt and beautified 1621 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 198) and again in 1650.

   Burnt down in the Fire 1666 and not rebuilt, the parish being united to St. Antholins (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 198-200).

   The site was enclosed for a churchyard, as shown on the maps, but the greater part removed c. 1885 for the extension of the District Railway.

   A Rectory. Patrons : 31 Ed. I., the Nuns of St. Helens (Lib. Cust. I. 236).

   As shown above the avowson belonged originally to the Canons of St. Paul's and must have been given by them to the Priory of St. Helen, in whose possession it remained until the dissolution of the monasteries, temp. H. VIII., when it passed into the hands of the Crown (Newcourt, I. 371).

   Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, with the addition of Walbrook to mark its position on the bank of the stream and to distinguish it from St. John Zachary.

   A Roman pavement found in excavations on or near the site of the church, at a depth of 15 feet.