This church and its ancestors have stood at the heart of London’s commercial and financial district since Saxon times. It is in the very shadow of the Royal Exchange, at the junction of King William and Lombard Streets, and just across from Mansion House, the lord mayor’s residence. The name ‘Woolnoth’ is of uncertain origin. It may be related to the wool trade, so important in London’s commerce in early times. Indeed, there was another church where Mansion House now stands called St Mary Wool Church. But it is also possible that the origin is ‘Wulfnoth’, the name of some Saxon benefactor.
The present building was built during 1716– 27 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor, Wren’s pupil and associate. It is unique among the London churches of the classical period in combining Renaissance forms – Corinthian columns, balustraded turrets, and so on – with a square-set geometric front emphasized by horizontal grooves in the facade. The unusual tower and twin turrets have been much admired (and criticized). It is the only church in Old London to have come through the bombing entirely unscathed.
St Mary Woolnoth’s most famous association is with John Newton, rector from 1779 to shortly before his death in 1808. On the north wall is a simple tablet with the following inscription: John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy. Newton’s preaching drew increased numbers, necessitating a gallery with extra seating (now removed). William Wilberforce was one who used to come and hear Newton preach here.
Another notable person connected with this church was Claudius Buchanan, pioneer Anglican missionary to India. An inscription near the pulpit tells of his conversion here. Each year the famous ‘Spital Sermon’ is preached in St Mary Woolnoth (now a guild church). The tradition of this annual sermon was begun at the church of St Mary Spital (which was related to the old Hospital of St Mary Spital), hence the name.