Early History
The church (as a chapel of ease) was licensed by Bishop Ralph Baldock of London on 17 November 1311 for the people of Bow and Old Ford within the parish of Stepney. Before this, local people were obliged to travel to St Dunstan's, Stepney, to attend church. This was a difficult journey - especially in winter - when the road was cut off by flooding. In the 14th century, they felt confident and wealthy enough to petition for their own place of worship. The chapel of ease allowed them to practise their religion locally, but they were still obliged to attend St Dunstan's at Stepney on religious holidays - and to pay for its upkeep.
In 1556 at Bow, during the reign of Mary I of England, and under the authority of Edmund Bonner, Bishop of London, many people were brought by cart from Newgate and burned at the stake in front of Bow Church in one of the many swings of the English Reformation. These included the thirteen Stratford Martyrs.
In 1719, the parish became independent and St Mary, Stratford, Bow, was consecrated. The parish also included the Old Ford area which has also been known as North Bow.
The church was given Grade B listed building designation on 19 July 1950.
It gives its name to the nearby Bow Church DLR station.
Read more about this topic: Bow Church
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