Image credit: Chris Downer / Geograph Britain and Ireland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · 2008-06-28 ↗
St Dunstan-in-the-West and the Clock Giants
Fleet Street · Temple → Fleet Street → Lincoln’s Inn · Historic church / automaton clock / medieval-London fragments
Story
St Dunstan-in-the-West encapsulates several layers of London history within a single façade, almost functioning as a repository for salvaged fragments of old London. While the present church dates from the nineteenth century, it preserves and brings together relics from previous buildings on this site, as well as artefacts from other locations across the City. The detail that first catches the eye is on the exterior: a 1671 clock flanked by two giants who strike bells with their clubs and turn their heads. It is considered one of the earliest public London clocks to incorporate a minute hand, a significant innovation in the 17th century. The mechanism was originally associated with the previous church and was removed when that building was demolished. After spending time in a private mansion, it eventually returned to Fleet Street in the 20th century. We cannot guarantee that you will see the automata move exactly on arrival, as the historic mechanism has required recent repairs and may be temporarily out of service. Even when motionless, the ensemble is worth pausing for. After observing the clock, step into the small courtyard where you will find much older figures: King Lud and his sons, originally from Ludgate, one of the City's ancient gates, and a statue of Elizabeth I. This place is a rich collection of rescued urban relics, revealing how the city has preserved its past through the centuries.
What to look for
Look for the 1671 clock with its two giants high on the façade. Afterwards, in the courtyard, observe the figures of King Lud and his sons, and the statue of Elizabeth I.
Secret detail
The church's courtyard acts as an open-air museum. The sculptures of King Lud and Elizabeth I, among others, are not original to this site but were moved here for safekeeping from other parts of the ancient City of London.
Where exactly
The clock is high on the façade of St Dunstan-in-the-West, at 186a Fleet Street. Then, enter the small courtyard beside the church to see the statues.
Orientation
Look up from Fleet Street first to see the clock; then enter the small courtyard beside the church.
Why it matters
This place is an outstanding example of how London, through its cycles of destruction and rebuilding, has managed to preserve and relocate fragments of its past, creating a visible urban palimpsest that tells the city's story.
Access & opening
Church hours and services vary. Historic clock mechanism may be temporarily under repair.
Free.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Exterior pavement accessible; church access should be checked for current step-free arrangements.