Medieval church tower suspended in mid-air over London building site

In one of the most ambitious engineering operations ever seen in the City of London, the 700-year-old tower of All Hallows Staining Church has been suspended 45 feet above the ground to allow construction work for a new high-rise development beneath it.

The medieval stone tower, which dates back to the 13th century, has been carefully lifted and balanced above a 60,000-square-foot excavation at 50 Fenchurch Street, where developers are building a 36-storey office complex. The historic structure is being supported by a bespoke steel framework while engineers complete the basement and lower foundations of the new site.

A ‘never seen before’ feat of preservation

Developers described the operation as a “never seen before feat of engineering”, undertaken to protect the tower’s original stonework and ensure it remains part of the City’s architectural fabric.

Over 125,000 tonnes of earth were removed from beneath the structure before a special “bottoming out” ceremony was held to mark the project’s halfway stage. Once the underground levels are completed, the tower will be carefully lowered to its new foundation and surrounded by a landscaped public garden.

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, attended the event and called the scheme “a remarkable example of innovation and heritage preservation in action.”

“50 Fenchurch Street is a remarkable project and I am delighted to attend this unique ceremony that marks a significant construction milestone for this flagship development,” he said. “Projects like this highlight London’s position as a world-leading city for sustainable business investment.”

Mixing history with sustainability

The development, led by AXA Investment Managers and designed by Eric Parry Architects, aims to be one of the most sustainable and biodiverse towers in the UK. Builder Multiplex said the project combines energy-efficient systems with a commitment to preserving the historical character of the site.

The All Hallows Staining tower, which once served the medieval parish of St Dunstan-in-the-East, is now one of the few surviving examples of its period in the Square Mile.

For details about heritage protection in UK construction, see Historic England’s conservation guidance.

For more features exploring City of London’s history and cultural heritage, follow EyeOnLondon City for insightful storytelling you can trust.

[Image Credit | PA]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!