This was obliterated in the reign of James II., but recut in that of his successor, causing Pope’s comment:
Where London’s column, pointing to the skies,
Like a tall bully rears its head and lies.
The obnoxious inscription was not erased until 1831.
On the west panel of the pedestal is a bas-relief representing Charles II. in Roman dress attended by Liberty, Genius, and Science.
In the background the City is being rebuilt, and at the King’s feet Envy tries to rekindle the flames.
ST. LEONARD, EASTCHEAP
This church stood at the corner of Eastcheap on Fish Street Hill; it was sometimes called St. Leonard Milk Church, from one Am. Milker, who built it. It suffered considerably from a fire in 1618, but was subsequently well repaired. The building was destroyed by the Great Fire, and its parish annexed to that of St. Benet, Gracechurch Street. The earliest date of an incumbent is 1348.
The patronage of the church was in the hands of: The Prior and Convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, 1353; Henry VIII., who seized it in 1540, and soon after gave it to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury.
Houseling people in 1548 were 260.