St Helens

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This London skyscraper is now called St Helen's. The 118 metre, 23 floor-tall tower has been through a few incarnations however, and was previously known as the Aviva Tower, GCNU and the Commercial Union Building. One of the City's original skyscrapers, its future is now less certain as it may be replaced with a newer structure.

Across from St Helen's is Leadenhall Street, and the Lloyds Building. The church visible across the courtyard is St Andrew Undershaft, so called due to the maypole erected in front of the church. The custom of dancing around the pole on Mayday had been stopped in the City after 'Evil May Day' - a riot in 1517 where the City Apprentices rioted against the influx of foreigners in London. The City authorities then banned the practice to avoid public gatherings. The maypole was condemned as heathen by an enthusiastic curate in 1549, but the church's name remained.

The church survived the Great Fire of London (one of only a handful that remained unscathed) but was badly damaged in a fire in 1976 and although it has been restored, services are no longer held there. Please click on the thumbnail below to view the St Helen's virtual tour.