Steep(l)ed in History

Today we attended an important  event in the life of our City Livery  Company: the Annual Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and  Rededication, when the new Master and Wardens for the coming year are installed. It was  held in  St Bride's Church , just off Fleet Street .The  current church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the previous building was destroyed by the Great Fire of London. Although his church was gutted in 1940 during the Blitz, it has been beautifully restored .St Bride's  has long been  associated with journalism and printing since Wynkyn de Worde (now there's a name!) set up a printing  press in the  churchyard in 1501.My main photo shows the church's distinctive  spire. Apparently, in 1703, a local master baker, William Rich, wanted to make  a special cake  for his daughter's wedding to his apprentice baker, which  was to take  place in St Bride's church. He found inspiration in the church's design, and created the first tiered wedding cake we know and love, today. 
After the service, which included beautiful music  from the  organist and  choir,  we  trooped back to nearby Apothecaries' Hall for a celebratory lunch. 

My extra shows a view of Wren's slightly more  famous London church: St Paul's Cathedral, together with assorted,  more modern buildings, towering over Blackfriars Bridge.    

It was a wonderful day to participate in City tradition and catch up with friends, especially  as we were denied  the opportunity  last year.