Parish of St Mary, Stepney , Church of England

The parish of Saint Mary, Stepney, was originally part of Christ Church, Watney Street (P93/CTC2). It was situated in a very poor slum area, known as Sun Tavern Fields or No Man's Land. The vicar of Christ Church, William Quickett had managed to get schools opened in 1849 and on the same day the foundation stone of a new church was laid by Lord Hadda. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester on May 22nd 1850. The dedication to Saint Mary was made at Lord Hadda's request as a tribute to his wife. The church was also known as Saint Mary, Johnson Street, Saint George in the East.