Talk:Surrey Towns and Villages R
Rotherhithe
The earliest mention in records of St Mary Rotherhithe is in 1282. By the end of the 17th century the church had fallen into disrepair and was subject to flooding so it was decicded to rebuild the church, the medieval one being demolished in 1714, there are some traces of the original church in the crypt and tower. In the absence of any grant from Parliament the money was raised locally from among wealthy local merchants. The building cost £4000, and many of the original bills are at Soutwark Local Studies Library.
The architect was John James, who also designed St George Hanover Square and succeeded Sir Chrstopher Wren as surveyor of St Paul's Cathedral. The tower was added in 1747 and the church has changed little externally since this date. The back area of the church is unlocked daily, and the inside may be viewed from behind the locked glass screens.
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