epw024132 ENGLAND (1928). London Inn Square and environs, Exeter, 1928

This was actually called the New London Inn. The 'old' London Inn was on the corner of Paris Street and Sidwell Street and was later known as the Bude Hotel.

St Sidwell's Church



The church was rebuilt in 1812-13, in the Gothic style, and the octagonal spired tower repaired in 1823. It contained a clock and a peal of 10 bells, 8 of which were cast by Mears and Stainbank, in London during 1773 and the odd two by the same founders in 1891. There were statuettes of St Sidwell and St Boniface on the chancel arch carved from Caen stone of St. Sativola or Sidwell and St. Boniface, by Harry Hems; St Sidwell's was his local church and his workshop was close by in Longbrook Street. The exterior was faced with limestone in 1883. The birth, death and marriage registers date from the year 1569.



Destruction in 1942



It was at 2.43 am on the morning of 4th May 1942 that a 250 kg bomb fell directly on St Sidwells Church, destroying it and knocking out the water main in the area. The tower did not collapse, but it was so badly damaged, that it was pulled down soon after.



Acknowledgement to Exeter Memories