St Lawrence Jewry and St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry
A historic connection
The relationship between St Lawrence Jewry and St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry, belongs within the much longer historic connection between the City of London and County Londonderry.
The Honourable The Irish Society was established by Royal Charter in 1613, bringing together the City’s livery companies in connection with the development of Londonderry. The Society played an important part in the building of the city and its walls, and its historic relationship with the north-west of Ireland continues today, including through its commitment to community and reconciliation.
St Columb’s Cathedral is one of the most significant surviving reminders of this history. Built between 1628 and 1633 by The Honourable The Irish Society, it stands within the historic city walls and is the earliest surviving building in Derry’s walled city. Its London connection is even commemorated in a plaque which records that the church and city were built through the support of London, reading: "If stones could speake then Londons prayse should sounde who built this Church and Cittie from the Grounde"
Two churches, one mission
It is within this historic relationship that St Lawrence Jewry and St Columb’s Cathedral became twinned. The precise date of the twinning is not known as the relationship has excisted for quite a while, but it was certainly established by 2016, when the St Lawrence Jewry newsletter recorded the visit of the Dean of Derry as an opportunity to strengthen it.
The twinning is more than just a link between two historic buildings. It is a relationship between two distinct and unique Christian communities, with an opportunity to pray for one another, to learn from one another, and to encourage one another in the mission of the Church.
Although our communities are very different, both churches are called to proclaim Christ, to welcome and serve their communities, and to be places of prayer and hope. St Lawrence stands amid the commercial and civic life of the City of London; St Columb’s stands at the heart of a city whose history includes both deep Christian faith and painful division.
That gives the relationship a particular significance. The Christian calling is not simply to remember history, but to seek reconciliation, peace, and friendship. By maintaining links across London and Derry, our two churches can offer a small but meaningful expression of the unity of the Church and of the reconciling love of Christ.
The twinning is therefore both a link with the past and a partnership for the present: a reminder that, across different places and histories, we are one in Christ and called together to share his love with the world.
You can learn more about St Columb's Cathedral by visiting their website here: www.stcolumbscathedral.org
You can learn more about the work of The Honourable The Irish Society here: www.honourableirishsociety.org.uk