St Marys and the Mayflower
The maritime church connected to the Pilgrim Fathers.
Location: 72A St Marychurch Street, SE16 4JE
Description: St. Mary the Virgin Rotherhithe is where Christians have worshipped for at least 1000 years. The current church you see today was completed in 1716 replacing a 12th century building
The church was designed by John James, an associate of Sir Christopher Wren. The tower added later and spire replaced etc. and because it would have been visible from the river it has a strong connection with maritime affairs.
Christopher Jones, the Master of the Mayflower ship which founded New England in 1620, lived in Rotherhithe. His children were baptised here at St Mary's and his body is buried in the churchyard (exact spot is unknown). Check out the tablet inside the church, at the East end and the 2004 blue plaque outside the church tower here.
See also ancient plaques inside to Captain Anthony Wood and Captain Thomas Stone, saved from the old church and reset into the current one.
Prince Lee Boo was one of the first people from the Pacific Islands to visit Great Britain on the 14th July 1784. He charmed London society with his poise and intelligence and was dubbed the Black Prince. He lasted only 6 months in London after attending church ceremonies, dinner parties and European school for several months. He died of smallpox on the 27th December 1784 and was buried in the churchyard here.
The maritime church connected to the Pilgrim Fathers. |
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