Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, London

Perched proudly above Queen Victoria Street, Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe has one of those names that sounds like it belongs in a fairy tale鈥攐r at least a very complicated medieval filing system. Originally known as Saint Andrew juxta Baynard Castle (because, naturally, there was a castle next door), it picked up its current title in 1361 when the King鈥檚 Great Wardrobe鈥攂asically the royal walk-in closet for crowns, capes, and other essentials鈥攎oved in just around the corner.

Both the castle and the church were reduced to ashes in the Great Fire of London in 1666. But like a phoenix鈥攐r at least a very determined architect鈥擲ir Christopher Wren rebuilt Saint Andrew鈥檚 between 1685 and 1693. And what's more: this was his very last church project and his cheapest, clocking in at just over 拢7,000鈥攃ourtesy of the coal tax. (Yes, Londoners literally paid for their churches one shovelful at a time.)

But that's not all the curious facts about this location. William Shakespeare himself had ties to this spot. For about 15 years, he worked just down the street at the Blackfriars Theatre and eventually bought a home in Ireland Yard, right inside Saint Andrew鈥檚 parish lines. Today, the church honors the Bard with a memorial in the western gallery: a charming carving of Shakespeare and his musical buddy John Dowland, both kneeling on a stage while cherubs dramatically yank back the final curtain. Because, of course, even angels appreciate good theater.

Beneath the scene, a fitting tribute reads:

"If music and sweet poetry agree,
As they must needs, the sister and the brother鈥�
Dowland to thee is dear, whose heavenly touch
Upon the lute doth ravish human sense鈥�"

In short, apart from being a great name, Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe is a backstage pass to Shakespeare鈥檚 London.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Saint Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Shakespeare's London Walking Tour

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