(St.) Bride

   On the south side of Fleet Street at No. 88, in Farringdon Ward Without (P.O. Directory).

   Earliest mention: In decree of 1222 fixing bounds of the City and Westminster. "S. Brigid,"; 18 H. III. (Lib. Albus I. 96).

   Other names and forms : "S. Bride," 1280 (Ct. H.W. I. 47). "S. Brigid de Fletestrate," 1295-6 (ib. 127). "S. Brigid without Lutgate," 1310 (Cal. L. Bk. D. p. 229). "St. Brigid near to Flete Bridge," 1316 (Cal. L. Bk. E. p. 60). "St. Brigid the Virgin of Fletestrete," 1324 (Ct. H.W. I. 308).

   Enlarged with nave and aisles west in 1480 (S. 398).

   A plot of land adjoining the cemetery, 87 ft. long on the north, 57 ft. on the south, 64 ft. 8 in. on the east, and 83 ft. on the west, granted 1380 for the erection of the rectory house (Cal. P.R. Rich. II. 1377-81, p. 487). Afterwards known as Parsons Court.

   Church repaired and beautified 1630-32. Burnt in the Fire 1666, and rebuilt 1680, with a steeple 235 ft. high by Sir C. Wren (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 265, 279). Repaired 1875.

   The church was completely shut in by houses until the formation of St. Bride's Avenue in 1825, erected to open out the church.

   A Rectory. Patrons : Abbot and convent of Westminster, after the dissolution, the Dean and Chapter.