A quiet oasis in the city of London was a former church destroyed during World War II and located near Monument and Fenchurch Street station. The church is known as St. Dunstan-in-the-East, and it was built around 1100. It was repaired in the middle ages, had a tower added by Christoper Wren of St. Paul's Cathedral fame, and damaged in the Great Fire but patched up. Additional building work and a new roof meant that the church needed to be rebuilt in the early 1800s due to the roof being too heavy.
Instead of rebuilding after World War II, the church was turned into a public garden. Wren's tower actually survived the damage. Trees were planted, and the interior of the church was landscaped. Some open air services are held here. Today, the remainder of the building is a Grade I listed building.
Virtually across the road from St. Dunstans-in-the-East is Old Billingsgate Fish Market. This was the City's fresh fish market, but it is not a fish market today. It is an entertainment and conference venue. I've been inside the building twice for Christmas parties.
Fenchurch Street Market takes place during the week. It used to be only on special days and Thursdays or Fridays only. I actually went several years ago now and bought some wonderful macarons and cupcakes by "Super cute Macarons" around Valentine's Day. I really wanted to go back and get some more macarons and cupcakes but was never able to do so. (I believe they sell some items at Brixton Box Park but I did not see anything on offer when I visited a couple of years ago.)
Have you ever been to St. Dunstan-in-the-East or use it as a quiet oasis for your work breaks?
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