St Vedast alias Foster

Loved walking in to this most beautiful church.
The lady who was on duty there was so knowledgable and kind.
She went out of her way to give me background information and tell me a great deal about this history of this church.
Then she kindly told me about the lovely courtyard where you can go and contemplate life in the most pleasant of surroundings.
I am really chuffed I went in and apparently local people/workers regularly go in there to worship at lunch times.
Simply wonderful

I'm almost loathe to place a review of this lovely City church as I don't want to spoil it's peace and quiet! Located just a few steps from St Paul's Underground Station, so not at all far from St Paul's Cathedral it doesn't get anything like the traffic that it's famous near-neighbour gets, which is a real plus. The church itself is wonderful and well worth visiting. But for me, and for many I have recommended this two, the secret little garden next to the church, hidden behind a light blue door with a golden 4 on it is the truly special aspect of this place. Go through the door and the modern age falls away and you're n a lovely cloister-like little garden where you can just sit and chill. No cars roaring past, just a reasonable amount of peace and tranquillity in which to re-charge your batteries and, if you wish, enjoy your lunch!

This review focuses on the tiny courtyard of the church. On the walls of this peaceful spot are four intriguing items:

1. A section of Roman mosaic pavement from a demolished. church (no mystery except why is it here);

2. A sculpture of a profile of a head by Jacob Epstein (whose head and why is it here?);

3. A section of cuneiform text (where is it from and why is it here?); and

4. A tribute to a soldier who served three empires (and did Jeffrey Archer get the title for one of his books from this plaque?)

Nice church in the catholic tradition of the Anglican Church of England. Mass is at 11:00 on Sunday and weekdays at 12:15 although I'd check before making a journey. Incense, bells and holy water are used on Sunday. The pews are tiered on either side of the nave and face each other like a long choir type arrangement that I've seen in Georgian era churches previously.

Grade I Listed, attributed to Christopher Wren and much restored over the ages integrates fittings, an organ and accoutrements from destroyed City churches.
A notable Baroque steeple, modern stained-glass, noteworthy plaster ceiling, a collegiate pew configuration and a distinctive patterned floor add to the tone and timbre here.
The secluded courtyard garden, a tranquil retreat, warrants special mention. Some intriguing items here add an unexpected twist to memorable surroundings.

In 1989 my mum and I left the St Paul's tube station, intending to visit the cathedral for Morning Prayer. We were waylaid by the bells of St Vedast and were so welcomed there. As Anglicans visiting from the States, we were treated as especial guests. It was one of my warmest recollections from my stay in London.

It has some of the best Grinling Gibbons carvings I've seen in a City church.

Being located so close to the iconic St Pauls it's easy to miss this tucked away church. If you are in the area it is well worth a visit. This long standing church has suffered over the years falling prey to the great fire and the blitz. After many restorations it now stands as a beautiful church, and the adjoining courtyard is perfect to unwind and relax in calm green surroundings.