Southwark Cathedral
The cathedral stands at the oldest crossing point of the Thames, right beside London Bridge. It's free to go in, and donations are welcome.[1][2]
By George Morina. Last checked 24 Oct 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
History
A tradition passed to the Elizabethan historian John Stow says the first church here was a community of nuns in the 7th century, but the first written record is a “minster” in the Domesday Book of 1086.[1]
In 1106 the church was re-founded as an Augustinian priory, dedicated to St Mary and later known as St Mary Overie, meaning “over the river”. The canons ran a hospital beside it, the direct predecessor of today's St Thomas' Hospital.[1]
- In 1423 (often dated 1424) it saw its only royal wedding, when Joan Beaufort married King James I of Scotland.[1]
- The poet John Gower, a friend of Chaucer, lived at the priory and is buried in the nave.[1]
- After the Dissolution in 1539 it became a parish church, renamed St Saviour's. Local merchants bought it from King James I in 1611 for £800.[1]
- Edmond Shakespeare, William's brother, is buried here, as are the dramatist John Fletcher and the theatre owner Philip Henslowe.[1]
- In the 1820s, plans for the new London Bridge nearly led to its demolition. It was restored instead, largely thanks to the architect George Gwilt.[1]
- A new nave by Sir Arthur Blomfield followed in the 1890s, and St Saviour's became Southwark Cathedral in 1905.[1]
Visiting
- Parts of the cathedral may be closed to visitors during services and events, so check the visitor information first.[3]
- Step-free access is from the Millennium Courtyard, off Montague Close. A platform lift goes into the nave, though some areas aren't wheelchair accessible. There is an induction loop.[2]
Borough Market is next door: see our Borough Market guide.