Paternoster Square

Overview

Paternoster Square is a square in the City of London, next to St Paul’s Cathedral, and at the heart of the financial district. Visiting is free, and the area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It also hosts temporary and permanent sculptures and art installations, making it the ideal destination for art enthusiasts to explore.

Adults and children alike will enjoy interpreting the meanings behind the artworks, and they make for a great photo opportunity, so don’t forget to bring your camera! They spark curiosity and bring character to Paternoster Square, a welcome contrast to the architecture that surrounds them.

You can tie in a visit to the sculptures with spending a few hours browsing in the shops or grabbing a bit to eat in the square, add them as a stop to a self-guided art tour of East London, or just indulge in a few tranquil moments contemplating them.

History of Paternoster Square

The origins of Paternoster Square can be traced back to medieval times, when it was part of Paternoster Row. The clergy of St Paul’s would walk here holding rosary beads and reciting the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Paternoster.

The square was damaged by the Great Fire of London in 1666 before becoming the publishing heart of London before handing over the reins to Fleet Street. In the late 17th century, the square was home to Newgate Meat Market.

During the Second World War, much of the square was destroyed in the Second Great Fire of London, also known as The Blitz, one of the most destructive air raids that took place in December 1940. After the war, the site was cleared, leaving an empty area.

In the 1960s, the site was developed into office blocks. The square was redeveloped in the 1990s and reopened in 2003 with shops, cafes, pubs, offices, and public art.

What sculptures are there in Paternoster Square?

There are two permanent sculptures in Paternoster Square, as well as Paternoster Column, a focal point at the centre of the square. There are also temporary sculptures that are displayed in the square for a limited period.

The Sheep & Shepherd

The Sheep & Shepherd is a bronze sculpture by Elisabeth Frink, inspired by her stay in Cervennes, a mountainous region of France, where she often saw shepherds herding their flocks.

It could also be referencing the Newgate Meat Market and have religious connotations, especially given its proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral.

Paternoster Vents

The Paternoster Vents sculpture, also known as Angel’s Wings, is a design of two towers that are mirror images. Each one is created from 63 isosceles triangles that are all the same. These sculptures are not just art. They also provide ventilation for an electrical substation that’s beneath the ground here.

Paternoster Column

The Paternoster Column is similar to the famous London landmark, The Monument, which is also situated in the City of London. The column is shorter, measuring 76.4 feet (23.3 metres) in height. Although it’s the focal point of the square, it’s deliberately not aligned with any other architectural elements here. This is to keep a relaxed feeling.

At the top of the Paternoster Column, there is an urn of flames which commemorates the two Great Fires of London. As well as being an incredible sight, the structure also serves a practical purpose. It is part of a ventilation system for the car park underneath it.

Temporary sculptures in Paternoster Square

As well as the permanent sculptures, Paternoster Square has also featured a series of temporary sculptures. These sculptures often highlight important issues or encourage fundraising and are displayed in the square for a few months. Recent examples include:

Go Wildlife Go: a series of wild animals on a scooter
Wild Table of Love: ten animals sat around a dining table, enjoying a meal together
Wild About Babies: large bronze baby animals

What else is there in Paternoster Square?

In addition to the sculptures, there’s more to see in Paternoster Square.

The Noon-Mark

The Noon-Mark is a vertical sundial located in the northwest corner of Paternoster Square. Although it doesn’t display the time, it reveals the day of the year at midday. When the sunlight is at its strongest, the shadow shows the date.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is a decorative stone archway that once marked the entrance to the City of London. It once stood at the junction of the Strand and Fleet Street and was then relocated to Theobalds Park in Cheshunt, before being rebuilt in Paternoster Square as part of the 2004 redevelopment.