Bow Church

Church in Cheapside, London, originally built in the 11th century. The surviving crypt is the oldest parochial building in London. The church was destroyed in the Fire of London and rebuilt by Christopher Wren 1670–73. The steeple, one of Wren's finest, was completed in 1680. The church was severely damaged in the blitz during World War II but has been restored.

Because of its arched crypt the church came to be known as Santa Maria de Arcubus, or St Mary of the Arches (or Bow), hence St Mary-le-Bow. The principal court of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Court of Arches, derived its name through using this crypt.

Traditionally, those born within sound of Bow Bells were called Cockneys.