(St.) Leonard Eastcheap

   On the east side of Fish Street Hill, in Bridge Ward Within, at the corner of Eastcheap.

   The parish extends into Billingsgate and Candlewick Wards.

   Earliest mention found in records : "St. Leonard," 15 John (Anc. Deeds, A. 6884).

   Other names : "St. Leonard apud Estehep," 1238-9 (Harl. Ch. 46, A. 22). "St. Leonard of Estehep," c. 1255 (Anc. Deeds, A. 7837). "St. Leonard Estchepe," 46 H. III. (ib. A. 2274). "St. Leonard in Estchep," 1259-60 (Ct. H.W. I. 6). "St. Leonard de Estehep," 1274 (ib. 19). "St. Leonard at Estchyep," H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 1810).

   Stow says it was called St. Leonard Milke Church, of one William Melker, an especial builder thereof, but commonly called Saint Leonardes in East Cheape corner (S. 214). Kingsford suggests William Melker of Easteheap, whose will was proved 1273 (Ct. H.W. I. 15).

   Steeple, etc., burnt in 1618, taken down and the church enlarged towards the east and new built and steeple rebuilt 1618-21. The parishioners being poor were allowed to collect money for the work in other Counties (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 176).

   Destroyed in the Fire 1666 and not rebuilt. Site of the church enclosed and reserved for a burial ground for the parish.

   Parish united to St. Benet Gracechurch (ib. 181) and now to All Hallows Lombard Street.

   A Rectory. Patrons : Prior of Christ Church Canterbury until the dissolution of the Monasteries, when it passed to the D. and C. of Christ Church Canterbury.

   Dedicated to St. Leonard the hermit of France.