(St.) Michael Bassishaw

   On the west side of Basinghall Street. In Bassishaw Ward (O.S. 1880).

   Earliest mention found in records : "St. Michael de Bassishaghe," 1196 (Anc. Deeds, A. 2507).

   Newcourt says the church was given by G. Bishop of London to the Priory of St. Bartholomew, and this G. may have been bishop in 1128, 1163 or 1199.

   Other forms of name : "St. Michael in Bassieshage," temp. Rich. I. (ib. A. 7822) "St. Michael Bassishage," John (ib. A. 1919). "St. Michael Bassieshaw," Is John (ib. A. 6884). "St. Michael Bassingeshag," 1227 (Cal. Ch. Rolls, H. III. I. 54). "St. Michael Basingeshagh" (ib. 55). "St. Michael Bassyeshagh" (ib. 70). "St. Michael de Bassinggeshawe," 1312 (Ct. H.W. I. 229). "St. Michael de Basseteshawe," 1252 (Cal. Ch. Rolls H. III. I. 403).

   Chapel of St. Mary in the Church, 1347 (Ct. H,W. I. 495).

   Rebuilt in the 15th century by help of John and Agnes Barton. Remains identified during excavations in 1896.

   Repaired and beautified 1630. Burnt in the Fire 1666, and rebuilt 1676-9. Repaired and beautified 1697. The old church was longer than Wren's building and covered the site of the late vestry and yard (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 67).

   Again repaired 1777-81.

   A Rectory. Patrons : St. Bartholomew's Priory, afterwards in private hands. Since 1435 in Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's.

   Taken down and the parish united to St. Lawrence Jewry, 1897.

   The parish is conterminous with the ward of Bassishaw.

   There is an interesting account of the church and of the discoveries made during its removal, 1896-7, of the remains of the earlier edifices occupying the site. (Trans. L. and M. Arch. Soc. N.S. II. (1), pp. 149 et seq.).