St Magnus today is best viewed from Fish Street Hill, the narrow street that runs toward Thames Street from the Monument. This view frames the west end of the church with its tower and large clock and hides the faceless modern block next to it. For centuries (first mention, 1067) this church stood at the north end of London Bridge. After the Great Fire when Wren rebuilt it, 1671–87, the approach to London Bridge ran right past the church tower, and later (after reconstruction due to a fire in 1760) the footpath actually went under the tower. Thus the church was seen to great advantage both from the City and from the bridge.
In the early nineteenth century plans were laid to replace old London Bridge, and the new bridge was built 100 yards south. Upon its completion in 1831 Old London Bridge was demolished, and with it went St Magnus’s ancient identity. This is still a parish church, however, and its interior is one of the best in the City, with many fine original furnishings. A good reason for a visit is to see the memorial to the great sixteenth-century Bible translator, Miles Coverdale, once the minister here. It is on the wall to the right of the communion table.