(St.) Swithin, London Stone

   On the north side of Cannon Street at No.113, at the south-west corner of St. Swithin's Lane (P.O. Directory). In Walbrook Ward.

   Earliest mention found in records : " S. Swithun de Candelwryhttestrate," 1271-2 (Ct. H.W. I. 10).

   Other names and forms of name: "S. Swithin of Kandelwricchestrate," 1283-5 (Anc. Deeds, A. 1674). " S. Swythun in Candlewikestrate," 1286-7 (Ct. H.W. I. 80). "Sancti Swithini," 31 Ed. I. (Lib. Cust. I. 230). " S. Swithin at London Stone," 1557 (Ct. H.W. II. 666).

   Rebuilt by John Hinde (Mayor 1405) (S. 109), about 1420 (S. 225).

   Church possessed cloisters and a chapel of SS. Katherine and Margaret (L. and M. Arch. Soc. I. 2, 192).

   Repaired 1607-8 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii, 191).

   There was a chapel to St. Katherine in the church (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 191).

   A parsonage house before the Fire, burnt down and rebuilt by H. Whisler, 1675 (ib. 193). Church burnt in the Fire and rebuilt by Sir C. Wren, 1678, the parish of St. Mary Bothaw being united to it (ib. 200). Restored 1869 and 1879.

   A Rectory. Patrons: Rob. de Aguilon held the advowson with the capital messuage in the parish, 14 Ed. I. (Ch. I. p.m. (16)). By his will, c. 1285-6, he left his mansion with courtyard and garden and the patronage of S. Swythun in Candlewykestrate to the Priory of Tortington, who held the advowson, 31 Ed. I. (Lib. Cust. I. 238), and had his hostel in the parish, known afterwards as Oxford Place (q.v.).

   From the earls of Oxford, the house and advowson passed through various hands to the Salters' Company, who purchased them both, the present Salters' Hall now occupying part of the site of the house and gardens.

   In 1734 the Company sold the advowson to Mr. Matthew Beachcroft and it is now in private hands, the alternate presentation for St. Mary Bothaw being in the hands of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury (L. and M. Arch. Soc. Trans. I. ii. p.197).

   St. Swithin, to whom the church is dedicated, was born in 800 and was Prior of Winchester and afterwards Bishop of the diocese. He died in 862.