On the north side of Gresham Street at No. 80, south-west of the Guildhall, in Cheap Ward (P.O. Directory). The parish extends into Cripplegate Ward Within.
Earliest mention found in records : 1197 (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 14).
Other forms of name : "St. Lawrence in the Jewry," c. 1198 (ib. 253). "St. Lawrence Cattestret," 1279 (Cal. Ch. Rolls, II. 215). "St. Lawrence in Old Jewry," 1318 (Cal. L. Bk. E. 98).
So called from the district being largely inhabited by Jews in early times.
Chapels of St. Mary and St. John in the Church (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 44).
Repaired and beautified 1618 and 1631 (ib.).Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt 1671-80 with a fine front into Guildhall Yard (ib.). Architect, Sir C. Wren. Cost £11,870.
Rearranged and decorated 1867 by Sir A. W. Blomfield.
Parish of St. Mary Magdalen Milk Street united to it after the Fire.
Made a Vicarage 1295 (Cal. L. Bk. B. p. 61, note). Patrons : Advowson in hands of Hugo de Vienna "pro Scholar'" de Balliolo, Oxon. 21 Ed. I. (Ch. I. p.m.).
In 1294 Hugh de Vyenne, Canon of St. Martin's le Grand, granted to the Master and Scholars of Balliol the Advowson of the church with the soke of St. Wyewall and other houses in the parish (MSS. Balliol Coil. H. MSS. Com. 4th Rep. 449).
In 1247 advowson granted by the Abbot of St. Salvius of Montreuil to Sir Wm. Facet, Canon of St. Paul's (ib.).
The Masters and Scholars of Balliolhalle described as the Rectors of the Church, 16 Ed. III. (1342) (Cal. L. Bk. F. p. 79).
Present now alternately with the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's for St. Mary Magdalen, Milk Street.