St Alfege's Church, Greenwich
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St Alfege's Church is a Church of England place of worship in the town centre of Greenwich, London, and reputedly marks the place where Alfege (also spelt 'Alphege'), Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed by Viking raiders on 19 April 1012.
The second church built on this site was constructed around 1290. It was here that Henry VIII was baptised in 1491. The Church is also the site currently used to celebrate 'Founder's Day' of Addey and Stanhope School.
During a storm in 1710 the building collapsed, having had its foundation weakened by burials both inside and outside. The current building, incorporating the earlier tower, was designed by Baroque architect Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1714, and was funded by the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches.
The tower later became unsafe and was encased within a new tower designed by John James in 1730.
During the Blitz on March 19, 1941, incendiary bombs landed on the roof causing it to collapse, burning into the nave. The walls and the tower remained standing, but much of the interior was gutted. The church was restored by Sir Albert Richardson in 1953.
The church is also associated with Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis, General James Wolfe, Canada explorer Henry Kelsey, and actress Lavinia Fenton, all of whom are buried there. Noted merchant, Lloyds underwriter and art collector John Julius Angerstein was a churchwarden there during the early 19th century.
[edit] Literary connection
In Charles Dickens's novel Our Mutual Friend, Bella Wilfer marries John Rokesmith in St Alfege's Church.
