12 – St. Etheldreda’s Church, City of London (late 1200s)

St. Etheldreda’s Church is the "oldest Catholic church in England and one of only two remaining buildings in London from the reign of Edward I”, according to the church website. 

It was built between 1250 and 1290 and was at one time part of an expansive palace grounds. I read that it, remarkably, avoided much damage (if at all) from the Fire of 1666 and the Blitz.

Today, it is a beautiful but very small structure that looks like it's been wedged in amongst some later commercial and other buildings. Behind this church is the famous old Hatton Garden jewelry district of London; I would say this medieval structure is the biggest diamond of them all.  

That door and that window!

Check out the church’s website at:

http://www.stetheldreda.com/index.php/history-of-st-etheldredas/