Guides & Advice  : England : 
London

 
Frommer's Guide
INTRODUCTION
GETTING TO KNOW
DINING
ATTRACTIONS
Suggested Itineraries
Attractions on the Outskirts
Cathedrals & Churches
Especially for Kids
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Historic Squares
Literary Landmarks
Parks & Gardens
Museums & Galleries
Sightseeing & Boat Tours Along the Thames
NIGHTLIFE
SHOPPING
WALKING TOURS
SPECTATOR SPORTS
TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO ART & ARCHITECTURE
FEATURES AND EVENTS
ATTRACTION Frommer
Southwark Cathedral

There's been a church on this site, in the heart of London's first theater district, for more than a thousand years. The present one dates from the 15th century, and was partly rebuilt in 1890. The previous one was the first Gothic church to be constructed in London (in 1106). A wooden effigy of a knight dates from 1275. Shakespeare and Chaucer worshipped here; a Shakespeare birthday service is held annually, and inside is a memorial to the playwright. In 1424, James I of Scotland married Mary Beaufort here. During the reign of Mary Tudor, Stephen Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, held a consistory court in the retro choir that condemned seven Protestants, the Marian martyrs, to death. Later, from 1540 to 1671, the same retro choir was rented to a baker and used to house pigs. Lunchtime concerts are regularly given on Monday and Tuesday; call for exact times and schedules.

Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.Free admission; suggested donation £3 ($4.80).Tube: London Bridge.


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