London’s Medieval Buildings

Despite the Great Fire and the Blitz, London retains incredible medieval structures, mostly from the 11th to 15th centuries.

The best include the Tower of London (c. 1078), Westminster Hall (1097), and Westminster Abbey (13th-16th centuries), alongside religious gems like Temple Church (1163) and St Bartholomew the Great(1123).

Here are the best surviving medieval buildings in London:

 

Iconic Medieval Landmarks

Tower of London (White Tower): Begun by William the Conqueror in the 1080s, it is the most complete medieval fortress.

Westminster Hall: Built in 1097–1099, it features a magnificent 14th-century hammer-beam roof.

Westminster Abbey: A UNESCO World Heritage site and site of royal coronations since 1066.

Guildhall: The administrative center of the City, featuring 15th-century architecture and the largest medieval crypts in London.

Medieval Churches & Ruins

Temple Church: Built by the Knights Templar in 1163, renowned for its unique round nave.

St Bartholomew the Great (Smithfield): Founded in 1123, it is one of the oldest surviving churches.

St Etheldreda’s Church: A rare example of 13th-century Gothic architecture.

Winchester Palace Ruins: The 13th-century remains of the bishops of Winchester’s London home in Southwark.

Hidden Medieval Gems

The Charterhouse: A former 14th-century priory (built 1371) near Smithfield.

St Ethelburga’s Bishopsgate: A tiny church built around 1400 that survived the Great Fire.

Jewel Tower: A 14th-century tower built to house Edward III’s

 

Destination: England