St Bride's Church and St Bride's Well

Right in the heart of Fleet Street, St Bride’s Church is steeped in history and symbolism, earning its nickname as the “Journalists’ Church” due to its longstanding association with the press.

The church's history dates back 2,000 years and is woven into the fabric of the City of London.

Dedicated to St Bride (Brigid), the church traces its origins back to Roman Londinium. This is the only church in the East of England to be dedicated to St Bride.

Its striking spire, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, is said to have inspired the traditional tiered wedding cake. St Bride’s stands as a testament to resilience, having been rebuilt multiple times after fires and bombings, each iteration preserving its legacy as a place of pilgrimage, reflection, and renewal.‍

The Well of St Bride‍

Beneath the church lies the Well of St Bride, a sacred site thought to predate Christianity, linked to the Celtic reverence for holy wells and water deities like Brigid. This well is believed to have been a source of spiritual and physical healing, drawing pilgrims for centuries. Rediscovered during excavations after World War II, the well symbolises the deep-rooted connection between ancient sacred traditions and Christian worship. It remains a reminder of St Bride’s enduring role as a place of sanctuary, renewal, and connection to the sacred elements of water and light.

To read more about St Bride's Church, visit the church's website.

About St Bride

St Bride is the patron saint of our charity, the British Pilgrimage Trust. Her story is a radiant blend of pagan goddess and Christian saint, embodying the heritage and inclusivity of pilgrimage in Britain. She was said to be the daughter of an Irish prince and a druidic slave. She was known for her love of music, her compassion, and her gift of hospitality. A legend states she was able to turn bathwater into beer! We have always felt that  St. Bride is the perfect patron for the British Pilgrimage Trust, as she unites the past and present, faith and none, and the sacred with the practical. Her wells, churches, and traditions inspire modern pilgrims across Britain. Whether you follow her path for healing, poetic inspiration, or spiritual renewal, she welcomes all travellers.