(St.) Magnus the Martyr

   On the south side of Lower Thames Street, east of London Bridge (P.O. Directory). In Bridge Ward Within. The parish extends into Billingsgate Ward, and formerly comprised the houses, etc., on the Bridge.

   It stood at the head of the Old London Bridge.

   Earliest mention: In confirmation of grant by Wm. I. to Westminster Abbey, dated 1067, "lapidee eccle sci magni prope pontem" (Cott. Ch. VI. 3 B.M.).

   It is interesting to note that the church was built of stone at that date, rather unusual in those early days.

   Forms of name : "St. Magnus towards London Bridge," 2 Ed. I. (Anc. Deeds, C. 1813). "St. Magnus de Brugestrate," 1286 (Ct. H.W. I. 77). "Sancti Magni ad Pontem," 31 Ed. I. (Lib. Cust. I. 230). "S. Magnus the Martyr, Briggestret," 1359 (Ct. H.W. II. 12).

   In 19 H. III., 1234 a grant of land was made to the parson of St. Magnus for the enlargement of the church (Cal. P.R. H. III. 1232-47. p. 12).

   Repaired 1623, 4 and 5, and again 1629.

   Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt. Archt., Sir C. Wren (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 174).

   Parish of St. Margaret, New Fish Street, united to it after the Fire (ib. 180).

   A Rectory. Patrons : Formerly the Abbots of Bermondsey and Westminster, and now the Bishop of London. He and the Archbishop of Canterbury present to the living alternately.

   The footway under the steeple was made after the fire of 1759 to widen the road to Old London Bridge.