Bishopsgate is a historic and bustling thoroughfare in the City of London, extending from Gracechurch Street in the south to Norton Folgate in the north. Originally a Roman road, it has evolved into the City’s highest-rising street, now home to iconic office towers, historic churches, and key landmarks like 22 Bishopsgate and Heron Tower.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 11th Century | Mentioned as ‘Porta Episcopi’ in the Domesday Book; later anglicized to Bishopsgate. |
| 16th Century | Bishopsgate lined with buildings, including Crosby Place, Gresham House, and key churches. |
| 1761 | Bishopsgate gate in the city wall was demolished as part of city redevelopment. |
| 1840-1874 | Shoreditch Station (later renamed Bishopsgate) was replaced by Liverpool Street Station. |
| 1960s-Present | Construction of high-rise office towers, transforming Bishopsgate into a commercial hub. |
| 1993 | An IRA truck bomb exploded outside 99 Bishopsgate, causing significant damage and leading to increased security measures. |
| 2004 | 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) was completed, replacing the bomb-damaged Baltic Exchange. |
| 2020 | 22 Bishopsgate completed as the tallest building in the City of London. |
Historical Background of Bishopsgate
Bishopsgate derives its name from the gate that stood in the London Wall, likely named in honor of Saint Erkenwald, a Bishop of London from the late 7th century. The original gate, Porta Episcopi, was recorded in the Domesday Book. By the 16th century, the area had grown into a bustling neighborhood with merchants’ residences and notable churches like St Botolph and St Helen.
Like many of the gates in the City wall, Bishopsgate was eventually demolished in 1761, with only parts of the old churches surviving.
Modern Commercial Hub
Bishopsgate is now one of the most prominent commercial areas in London, hosting some of the tallest buildings in the City:
- Tower 42: Originally known as the NatWest Tower, this building was Britain’s tallest when completed in 1981. The design reflects the bank’s symbol of intersecting chevrons.
- Heron Tower (110 Bishopsgate): Completed in 2011, the tower briefly held the title of the tallest building in the City, with its height boosted by a 28-meter spire.
- 22 Bishopsgate: Completed in 2020, this 62-storey skyscraper is now the tallest building in the City of London and second only to The Shard across the entire city.
These modern structures coexist with historical landmarks, such as St Helen’s Church, which bears links to William Shakespeare, who reportedly lodged in the parish.
Bishopsgate Today: Key Highlights
- Historic Landmarks: Notable historical buildings include St Botolph’s Church and St Helen’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century.
- Commercial Skyscrapers: 22 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower, and Tower 42 define the modern skyline of Bishopsgate.
- Cultural Points: The Bishopsgate Institute, established in the late 19th century, serves as an educational and cultural hub with a rich library.
Map of Bishopsgate
Further Reading and Resources
Bishopsgate’s transformation from a Roman road to a bustling commercial hub highlights its pivotal role in the history of London. From its early years marked by churches and merchants’ houses to its modern era characterized by towering skyscrapers, Bishopsgate represents both the rich heritage and the forward-looking spirit of the City of London.
FAQs About Bishopsgate
Why is Bishopsgate significant in the history of the City of London?
Bishopsgate is one of the key historical streets in the City of London, originally part of the Roman road network and later a significant trade and commercial area. Today, it is known for its combination of historical landmarks and modern office towers.
What is the tallest building in Bishopsgate?
The tallest building in Bishopsgate is 22 Bishopsgate, which is also the tallest building in the City of London, completed in 2020.
How did the 1993 IRA bombing impact Bishopsgate?
The 1993 IRA truck bomb caused significant damage and led to a heightened security response by the City of London Corporation, resulting in the creation of the ‘ring of steel’, which placed police checkpoints around the City.
