St. Mary Woolnoth, London

Tucked away from the commotion of Bank itself, a brief stroll down King William Street reveals Saint Mary Woolnoth, named after a 12th-century merchant benefactor, and one of Nicholas Hawksmoor's distinctive London churches. It stands out as one of the rare churches in London devoid of a crypt; instead, beneath the edifice lies the Bank Tube Station. The primary facade boasts an imposing presence, featuring twin turrets, Doric pillars, and robust rustication.

Inside, within a compact yet lofty interior, Hawksmoor ingeniously incorporates a trio of grand Corinthian columns at each corner, providing support for a cleverly designed lantern illuminated by semicircular clerestory windows. The most remarkable furnishing is the altar canopy, upheld by barley-sugar columns and adorned with seven golden cherubic visages. The church's prominent clock, projecting outward, garners a brief mention in T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," a quote commemorated in the southeast corner of the church.