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St Giles Cripplegate FF003274
Filename: FF003274.jpg
Size: 4181 x 4181 (22.6MB)
Date: 18th June 2015
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/archives-and-collections/nmr/enquiry-and-research-services/terms-and-conditions/
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
St Giles Cripplegate FF003274
The Church of St Giles and the Barbican Estate, City of London, 1962-'4. John Gay (1909-'99), cellulose acetate negative. The Church of St Giles in Cripplegate Ward dates from the 16th century, and it is associated with some of the nations most significant historic figures, including Oliver Cromwell, the author John Bunyan and the poet John Milton. A bombing raid on 29 December 1940 reduced the church to ruins, and the neighbourhood was destroyed by fire. St Giles was restored by 1960 to become the parish church for the high-rise Barbican Estate, designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, and built between 1959 and 1982
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Media ID 10929045
© Historic England
Archive Construction Crane Picturing England Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the iconic St Giles Cripplegate, a historic church located in the heart of the City of London. Dating back to the 16th century, this magnificent structure holds great significance as it has been associated with some of England's most notable figures throughout history. The image captures a moment in time during the early 1960s when St Giles was undergoing restoration after being reduced to ruins by a devastating bombing raid on December 29,1940. The neighborhood surrounding the church was also destroyed by fire during that fateful event. Despite its tragic past, St Giles rose from its ashes and was meticulously restored by 1960. It became an integral part of the high-rise Barbican Estate, designed by renowned architects Chamberlin, Powell & Bon and constructed between 1959 and 1982. This photograph not only documents an architectural marvel but also serves as a testament to resilience and rebirth. It symbolizes how even amidst destruction and devastation, beauty can be resurrected through human determination and craftsmanship. Preserved within this cellulose acetate negative is not just an image but a piece of history itself – one that reminds us of our ability to rebuild and create anew. This print stands as a tribute to both St Giles Cripplegate's rich heritage and those who played their part in restoring it for future generations to admire.
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