Horace Moon - St. Benet Fink

ST. BENNET or St. BENEDICT FINK, the Church of, is situated on the south side of Threadneedle-street, and derives its name and addition from having been dedicated to St. Benedict, an Italian saint, who was founder of the order of Benedictine monks, and from having been rebuilt by one Robert Fink or Finch, whose name is also borne by a neighbouring lane. It is of ancient origin, and though at present only a curacy, was formerly a rectory, John de Brakentree being rector thereof before the year 1333. The old church, having been destroyed by the great fire in 1666, the present edifice was erected by Sir Christopher Wren,- in its stead. The church, although a fine specimen of its author's genius, is scarcely so well known to the public as the celebrated vender of biscuits and fancy bread next door. It is built of stone, in an elliptical form, sixty-three feet in length, and forty-eight in width. . . . The patronage of this church was formerly in the noble family of the Nevils; but falling to the crown in the reign of Edward IV., that king gave it to the Dean and Chapter of Windsor. The impropriation is still in the said dean and chapter, who generally supply it with one of their own canons, who is licensed by the Bishop of London. The present curate is the Rev. C. R. Ashfield, who was instituted by the Dean and Chapter in 1818."