Alban (St.), Wood Street

   On the east side of Wood Street, at the corner of Little Love Lane (P.O. Directory). In Cripplegate Ward Within.

   Earliest mention found in records: Temp. John. "St. Alban Wudestrate" (Anc. Deeds, A. 2484).

   Other forms: " St. Alban de Wodestrate," 1286-7 (Ct. H.W. I.80). " St. Alban Wodestrete," 33 Ed. I. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2451).

   Rebuilt 1634. Burnt in the Fire 1666, and rebuilt 168Alban (St.), Wood Street by Sir C. Wren, at a cost of over £3000. The Parish of St. Olave Silver Street was united to it (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 92).

   A Rectory. Patrons: Hospital of St. James and afterwards the Provost and Fellows of Eton College, who now present alternately with the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's.

   Strype speaks of the church as of great antiquity, probably not later in date than King Adelstane (Athelstan), 10th century, whose house, according to tradition, was situated at the east end of the church, and built of the same kind of stone as the church (ib. 76). In support of his opinion, he draws attention to the dedication to St. Alban, the first English martyr. and to the early work shown in the building, the Roman brichs inlaid in the walls, the turning of the arches and the heads of the pillars (ib.). In the Parish Clerks' account of the church it is said to have been built in or about 930 (p.1). Newcourt says it belonged originally to the Abbey of St. Albans, and that the Abbot in 1077 exchanged the advowson for that of another church with the Abbot of Westminster (1.236).

   He gives Matthew Paris as his authority for the statement. If this statement is correct, the dedication to St. Alban, which is of rare occurrence, would be explained.