Rood Lane, Eastcheap, City of London, London EC3M 1HS

St Margaret Pattens

Church

Place photograph

5.3

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

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Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

Urban historicSoloCouplesHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

5.3

A church with a name rooted in the muddy streets of medieval London: pattens were raised overshoes, and the nearby patten-making trade became part of the church’s identity. The present building was rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666.

This is a compact heritage stop rather than a wild landscape: its appeal lies in the unusual patten-making story and the historic details inside a Wren-rebuilt City church. Go when it is open, and allow time to look beyond the architecture for the objects and memorials that bring its local history to life.

Atmospheric · Quirky

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Rood Lane, Eastcheap, City of London, London EC3M 1HS

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The experience

A short, detail-led visit: first take in the church’s exterior and spire, then look for the patten display and the historic interior features described by the sources. Confirm that the church is open to visitors before setting out.

Things to do

Explore the patten-making connection

Look for the display of pattens and the church’s references to the trade that gave the church its distinctive name.

10–20 minutes

Look back towards the organ and royal arms

Visitor accounts describe an historic organ and a royal coat of arms at the west end of the church. Look for these if the interior is accessible.

5–10 minutes

Notice the church’s trade and civic memorials

The sources describe memorials and displays connected with local livery companies and City life. Their visibility may depend on access within the church.

5–15 minutes

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 30–60 minutes; confirm visitor access first.

A quick look inside St Margaret Pattens

01
Check with the church that visitors can enter at your intended time.
02
Take in the church from Rood Lane and Eastcheap.
03
Inside, look for the patten display and the historic features noted by the visitor sources.

Verified history

A church on this site is recorded in 1067, although the precise early building history is not fully established by the supplied sources. The church was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London; the present building is attributed to Christopher Wren, with sources giving construction dates in the late seventeenth century. Its name is commonly linked to pattens—raised overshoes used to keep footwear clear of muddy streets—and to the patten-making trade associated with nearby Rood Lane. The sources also describe links with the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers and surviving displays and memorials inside the church. Accounts differ on some details of the name’s origin and the building chronology, so those points should not be overstated.

Hidden details

The church name points to a vanished street trade — Pattens were overshoes that raised their wearer above muddy streets. The church’s name is associated in the sources with the patten-making trade nearby; the exact origin is not entirely settled.

A ramp is approached from Plantation Lane — The church’s directions page says a disabled-access ramp leads to the church via Plantation Lane along its north wall.

When to go

· A weekday during confirmed visitor opening hours; check directly with the church before setting out.

The sources give no seasonal reason to prefer one time of year. Visitor access is the deciding factor.

The visit is centred on a church building. Check opening and access arrangements before travelling.

What to look for

Look for the patten display, the church’s connections with the Worshipful Companies of Pattenmakers and Basketmakers, the organ and royal coat of arms, and the memorials described in the visitor sources. Access to individual features may depend on the church being open.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

Year-round, subject to opening and access

Visit during confirmed opening hours on a weekday. The supplied listing reports Monday–Friday, 7.30am–4pm, but check before travelling.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour

Perfect for

Solo · Couples · History lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Rood Ln, Eastcheap, London EC3M 1HS

Phone

+44 20 7623 6630

Website

stmargaretpattens.org

Listed hours

Monday: 7:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 7:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 7:30am-4pm
Thursday: 7:30am-4pm
Friday: 7:30am-4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 73 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A City church at the corner of Rood Lane and Eastcheap. The supplied listing gives weekday opening hours of 7.30am–4pm, Monday to Friday, and closed at weekends; check with the church before travelling, as access may vary for services or other events. The church website says there is a disabled-access ramp via Plantation Lane.

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Parking

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The church website describes a disabled-access ramp via Plantation Lane. Confirm current access arrangements and any other requirements with the church before visiting.

Cost

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