(St.) Mary Somerset

   On the north side of Upper Thames Street, opposite Broken Wharf. Remains and tower shown (O.S. 1880). In Queenhithe Ward.

   Earliest mention found in records : "St. Mary of Sumersetecherch," temp. Rich. I. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2624). "Sce marie de Sum sat" (? temp. Rich. I. Harl. Ch. 85, D. 30), "St. Mary de Sumersate" (Anc. Deeds, A. 1803). "St. Mary de Somersete," 56 H. III. (Ch. I. p.m.).

   New chapel erected 15th century (Trans. L. and M. Arch. Soc. III. 255).

   Repaired and beautified 1624.

   Burnt in the Fire, rebuilt and finished 1695.

   Described by Strype as a good building, having a very graceful Steeple, with eight pinnacles on the battlements (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 218).

   A Rectory. Patron : Wm. de Staundon, 1273 (Ct. H.W. I. 15), Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's (Arnold's Chron. 76).

   In private hands and afterwards of the Bishop of London (Trans. L. and M. Arch. Soc. III. 254).

   Church pulled down 1871 and parish united to St. Nicholas Cole Abbey, under the Bishop of London's Union of Benefices Act, 1859.

   Churchyard shown in Rocque, 1746, south of the church.

   Stow suggests that is was called Summers Hith of some man's name that was owner of the ground near adjoining (S. 359), and perhaps a benefactor to the church.

   A good account of the church to be found in Trans. L. and M. Arch. Soc. III. 253.