The church was first recorded in 1067, at which time the church was probably built from wood. It was rebuilt in stone at some unknown subsequent date but fell into disrepair and had to be demolished in 1530. It was rebuilt in 1538 but was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present church was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1687. It is one of only a few City churches to have escaped significant damage in the Second World War.
In 1954 St Margaret Pattens ceased to be a parish church and became one of the City’s Guild Churches, under the patronage of the Lord Chancellor and under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of London. The church was designated a Grade I listed building on 4 January 1950.
The church's exterior is notable for its 200-ft high spire, Wren's third highest and the only one that he designed in a medieval style. This is sometimes referred to as Wren's only "true spire". The narthex contains museum cabinets of the work of the two livery companies who have their homes in the church. The interior is a simple rectangle with some unusual fittings – the only surviving canopied pews in London, dating from the 17th century. These are for the churchwardens. The initials "CW" which appear in one of the pews have been thought to refer to Christopher Wren, but they may also signify church warden.
Other features in the interior include a punishment bench carved with the Devil's head where wrongdoers had to sit during the church service, although sadly this has now been stolen.The Stuart Royal Arms above the entrance are exceptionally fine. Central to the altarpiece is Christ in Gethsemene, attributed to Carlo Maratta. There are two iron sword rests, the larger dated 1723, and recently finely restored.
The nineteenth century copper cross and ball were formerly on the spire, and copied from those at St Pauls. Monuments include those to Sir Peter Vandeput and family (1686), Susannah Batson (1727) and Sir Peter Delme- a big hanging architectural monument with reclining cherubs by Rysbrack (erected 1740). The tondo of the Virgin and Child in the north aisle is one of the few visible things remaining of the efforts of the late nineteenth century neo-Jacobite rector, J.L. Fish. Accumulated on the walls of the outer vestry are various memorials and notices. The inner vestry, wood panelled, and with a fireplace, is a rare survivor of old furnishing.
Detailed guided talks and tours, including the Tower and Vestry, with the Administrator, are available for a small donation. For details call 07787 394643 or email info@stmargaretpattens.org
