Of medieval origin, it was rebuilt to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, following its destruction in the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The church, which is first recorded in 1119,[1] was on the north side of Budge Row[2] (which no longer exists), at the corner of Sise Lane in Cordwainer Ward.

[4] It was repaired in 1616, at a cost of more than £900,[2] and in 1623 a richly decorated gallery was added,[4] its front divided into 52 panels, each bearing a coat of arms.

[7] St Antholin's was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666,[8] and rebuilt in 1678-84 by Sir Christopher Wren,[9] at a cost of £5,685, paid for from the coal tax, and from contributions.

[4] The exterior of the body of the church was plain in style,[6] but the attached steeple was more unusual and elaborate:[10] George Godwin, writing in the early 19th century said the tower and spire "although they might not be termed beautiful or pure, display great powers of invention, and are of pleasing proportions".

[4] In 1829, the upper part of the spire was replaced and the portion removed, with its dragon's head weathervane, was sold for £5 to Robert Harrild, a printer, who had it erected on his property, Round Hill House in Sydenham, now London SE26.

It was gutted by incendiary bombs on 27 December 1940, but was rebuilt after the war, and reconsecrated on 12 October 1957, as St Anthony, Nunhead.