On the north side of Cheapside, at the south-west corner of Old Jury (Leake, 1666). In Cheap Ward.
Earliest mention found in records : "St. Mary Colecherche," 1213-16 (Anc. Deeds, A. 1988).
Other names and forms : "St. Mary Colecherch," 1239 (Cal. Charter Rolls, I. 238). "Colechurch parish," 49 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 1673). "Colecherche," 1269 (Ct. H.W. I. 10). "St. Mary of Colecherche," 17 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2073). "St. Mary de Coleschirch," 1257 (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 17). "Kolchirch," 1278 (Ct. H.W. I. 36). "St. Mary Colkirche," 1288 (Anc. Deeds, A. 2019).
Fraternity or guild of St. Katherine Colchirche in church of St. Mary Colchirche, 1 H. IV. (Cal. P.R. H. VI. 1399-1401, p. 284).
It is said that Thomas a Becket and Edmund, king of East Anglia, were baptized in the font of St. Mary Colecherche (S. 266).
Repaired and beautified 1623 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 34).
Burnt in the Fire and not rebuilt, the parish being united to St. Mildred Poultry (ib. 1670, and Milbourne, p. 37).
A Rectory. Patrons : Master of St. Thomas of Acres. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1542, the Mercers' Company.
Given to the Hospital c. 1256-7 (Watney, Register, fo. 8, p. 240).
The site of the church adjoins the east end of the Mercers' Hall and Chapel and stood over the cellar of the Mitre Tavern (Milbourne, 40).
Stow says the church was so named of one Cole that builded it upon a vault above ground, so that it had steps up to it (p. 266).