Church Of St Olave

The Church of St Olave, located on Hart Street EC3, dates back to the 15th century, incorporating a crypt and other work from the late 13th century. The original timber roof was destroyed during World War II and has since been renewed. The church has a nearly square body with north and south aisles consisting of three bays, and features a clerestory. There is a westward extension of the nave and a south-west tower. A south porch and south-east vestry were added in 1661, likely in the 19th century. The exterior is made of squared rubble and has undergone significant repairs, with shaped coping on the parapets. The clerestory and north aisle are now constructed of Portland stone. The tower features an octagonal turret on the south-west side and an upper stage made of yellow brick, which dates from 1731 to 1732 and is attributed to J. Widdows. The tower has round-arched windows with circular openings above, a stone cornice with a parapet, and an octagonal timber lantern topped with a domed copper roof. There is also a bracketed clock on the east side.

Inside, the church has unplastered rubble walls. Notable fittings include a late 17th-century pulpit, communion rails, sword rests, and a mid-18th-century communion table. There is a modern west gallery and organ, along with several impressive monuments. The vestry, made of brick and now cemented, has a slated roof and a south gable. The interior retains original panelling and a plaster ceiling.