A Visit to All Hallows-on-the-Wall, London
A report from Elizabeth Gay, Director, in London, England.
All Hallows-on-the-Wall
The present day structure dates to 1767.
Today I had a very special experience visiting the church where one of my Huguenot ancestors, Benjamin Marion married his first wife Judith Balluet. I write to share the experience as many of our Huguenot ancestors came to the colonies via London and they may have had very similar experiences. Also, any descendants of Benjamin and Judith may be interested to see the photographs and know of their marriage record. Joining me today was Society board member Catherine Murray-Smith.
When we first approached the church we were struck by the large portion of the original London Wall which is a few blocks prior to the church on London Wall Street. This prompted a discussion with our taxi driver about the wall of Charles Towne and its portions which continue to be uncovered when there is digging in the city. The London Wall of course is much older from the Roman period and it had numerous gates. This reminded me of my journey to the Holy Land and the study of the wall around Jerusalem and its many gates. History is so interesting as it seems to always be connecting things over centuries. Many readers may be familiar with the “gates” of London:
The Seven Gates of London
Aldgate – leading to Colchester and Essex
Bishopsgate – leading to Shoreditch and up towards Cambridge along the old Ermine Street
Moorgate – not an original Roman gate, it was more than likely a postern in Roman times, only becoming a gate in 1415. The gate led to the Moorfields, a marshy area north of the city.
Cripplegate – leading to the village of Islington
Aldersgate – leading towards St. Bartholomew’s Abbey, Smithfield Market, and London Charterhouse. Aldersgate was thought to have replaced a previous gate to the west of the city.
Newgate – leading towards Oxford and the west
Ludgate – leading towards Bath and the South West
London Wall
Remnants of the original Roman wall around London outside the church entrance.
The closest “gate” to All Hallows-on-the-Wall is Cripplegate.
The church was built some time in the early 12th century on a bastion of the old Roman wall. The early church escaped the Great Fire but was demolished about a century later. The Church is built against the Wall and the semi-circular vestry rests upon the foundations of one of the old bastions. The current building is on the site of the original church and was built in 1767, about a hundred years after the Marion-Balluet marriage. The denomination was Church of England. It is one of 16 “guild churches” in London. At one time there were eight “All Hallows” churches in London and this made the requirement to add the location to the name necessary - hence “On the Wall.” While the church itself is newer, the footprint is the same and some of the original portions remain in the stone outside the church.
Historical Image
From a display inside the church of an engraving of the church when it was rebuilt in 1765-1767. Larger portions of the Roman Wall appear in the left side of the image than are as visible today.
Painting depicting ACTS IX, V. 17
George Dance the Younger, who was an architect known for his contributions to London's built environment. Over the altar hangs a beautiful oil painting which was painted by the brother of the architect, Nathaniel Dance, who was also an artist and a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts. The brothers had both studied in Italy. Soon after returning from Italy in 1765 Dance the Younger won a commission to redesign the church of All Hallows, London Wall.
The painting depicts the moment when Ananias restores Saul's sight and spiritually fills him with the Holy Spirit, signifying Saul's conversion to Christianity and the beginning of his ministry
Baptismal Font
The font was originally in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Altar
Under the carpet rests the original stone floor. The carpet is to be removed during the restoration work to restore the beautiful floor underneath.
In the records of the church the marriage of Benjamin and Judith is listed as "Benjamin Marrion" and "Judith Ballent" - their actual names were Benjamin Marion and Judith Balluet. They visited the French Protestant church at Threadneedle in September 1686 according to those church records and were married at All Hallows-on-the-Wall, 1 NOV 1686. An interesting side story here. Pope Boniface IV instituted the Feast of All Saints (or All Hallows) which is celebrated on the first of November, the same date as their marriage.
Marriage Record of Benjamin Marion and Judith Balluet
In the registry of the church, 1 NOV 1686.
During our visit we were met by Father Paul Gismondi who is the priest in charge of the church. He described to us his efforts underway to restore the church and have it open for services. We were pleased to make a donation to the restoration of the church while we visited.
View of the Organ
The organ is original to the church of 1767.
Visiting this church was incredibly moving for us. I still cannot believe I stood in the same spot as my 7th great grandfather as he married his bride and they were soon to depart for Carolina. This, for me, goes to the one of the great purposes of our Society: to continue to study the history of our ancestors and find these kernels of their experiences and bring them to life. It is my great wish that all our members can study their lineages with us and find their stories so they can also visit places and feel a sense of connection to their ancestors.
Ceiling over the altar
This half dome ceiling over the altar reminded me very much of St. Philip’s Church in Charleston, SC.
Tomorrow we begin the Society’s week in London studying Huguenot history. We will post as much as we can as the days move along so that all can walk in the Huguenot footsteps of London with us.