St Pancras, Soper Lane
Church in Pancras Lane, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
St Pancras, Soper Lane, was a parish church in the City of London, in England. Of medieval origin, it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666[3] and not rebuilt.
| St Pancras, Soper Lane[1] | |
|---|---|
2008 photo of site | |
 St Pancras, Soper Lane[2] | |
| Location | Pancras Lane |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Demolished | 1666 |
History
St Pancras, Soper Lane, was in the Ward of Cheap, City of London.[4] The street from which it took its name was renamed after the Great Fire,[5] although sources vary as to whether it became Queen Street[5] or Pancras Lane.[6] The church was first built in the twelfth century.[7] It was a small building, with a tower containing five bells. There was a chapel on the north side.[7]
Though small, the parish had some wealthy residents, and the church received various benefactions.[6] In 1617 it was presented with a monument commemorating Elizabeth I[7] by Thomas Chapman. In 1621 the renovation of the building was financed by a group of benefactors, including Chapman, and a porch was added in 1624, paid for by Chapman's son.[6]
The patronage of the church belonged to the prior and chapter of Christ Church, Canterbury, until 1365, when they granted it to the Archbishop of Canterbury.[5] There was a parsonage house on the corner of Pancras Lane and Queen Street; in 1670 it was leased out for 40 years, at an annual rent of £2.[6]
Destruction
Along with the majority of churches in the City, St Pancras, Soper Lane, was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in September 1666.[8] It was not rebuilt; instead the parish was united with those of St Mary-le-Bow and All Hallows, Honey Lane. The rebuilt St Mary-le-Bow served as the church for the united parishes, and the site of St Pancras was retained as a graveyard.[5]
