St Mary Axe is a well-known street in the City of London, England. It is home to many important buildings, including the distinctive skyscraper known as “The Gherkin.” But how exactly do you pronounce the name of this famous street?
The correct pronunciation of St Mary Axe may not be immediately obvious to those who are unfamiliar with the area. The name is derived from the church of St Mary, which once stood on the site. The word “axe” refers to the shape of the street, which narrows at one end like the blade of an axe.
To pronounce St Mary Axe correctly, one should say “saint merry ax.” The “a” in “axe” is pronounced like the “a” in “cat,” and the “e” is pronounced like a short “e.” The word “Mary” is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable, and the “a” is pronounced like the “a” in “car.”
So, the next time you find yourself in the City of London and need to navigate your way to St Mary Axe, remember to say “saint merry ax.” You’ll sound like a local and avoid any confusion with this unique and vibrant part of the city.
How to Properly Pronounce St Mary Axe
St Mary Axe is a street in London famous for its distinctive architecture and the presence of the Gherkin, a skyscraper that dominates the city skyline. However, the pronunciation of St Mary Axe can be a bit tricky for non-locals. Here’s a guide on how to pronounce it correctly:
Step 1: Pronouncing “St”
The abbreviation “St” stands for “Saint” and is pronounced as “saint”. So, you pronounce “St Mary Axe” as “saint mary axe”.
Step 2: Pronouncing “Mary”
The name “Mary” is pronounced as “mair-ee”. The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the “r” sound is soft and not rolled.
Step 3: Pronouncing “Axe”
The word “axe” is pronounced as “aks”. The “a” sound is short and the “x” sound is pronounced as a “ks” sound.
Therefore, the correct pronunciation of “St Mary Axe” is “saint mair-ee aks”.
It’s important to note that Londoners may have a slightly different pronunciation, emphasizing the “aks” sound more, but both pronunciations are generally accepted.
Now that you know how to pronounce St Mary Axe correctly, you can confidently talk about the famous street and the iconic Gherkin building!
The History of St Mary Axe
St Mary Axe, also known as the Gherkin, is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the London skyline.
Located in the financial district of the city, St Mary Axe has a rich history that dates back to the Roman times. The name “St Mary Axe” is derived from the church of St Mary the Virgin, which once stood on the site. The word “axe” is a corruption of “achius”, which means “edge” in Latin.
In the Medieval period, St Mary Axe became an important road connecting London Bridge and the Tower of London. It was a bustling center of trade and commerce, with various markets and businesses along the street. The area was known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively street life.
During the Great Fire of London in 1666, much of the area around St Mary Axe was destroyed. The church was also severely damaged and had to be rebuilt. After the fire, the street became a hub for rebuilding activities, and many new buildings were constructed in the area.
In the 19th century, St Mary Axe started to undergo significant changes. The development of railway stations and the expansion of the financial district led to the demolition of many old buildings. The street became increasingly dominated by commercial offices and warehouses.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, St Mary Axe became the site of several modern office buildings. The most famous of these is the Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe. Designed by Norman Foster, the Gherkin is a standout example of contemporary architecture and has become a symbol of London’s global status as a financial center.
Today, St Mary Axe remains a thriving area with a mix of modern architecture, historical landmarks, and lively street scenes. It continues to be a magnet for businesses and visitors alike, thanks to its central location and vibrant atmosphere.
So next time you visit London, make sure to take a walk through the fascinating history of St Mary Axe and experience the beauty of the Gherkin up close.
Meaning and significance of the name
The name “St. Mary Axe” holds significant historical and cultural significance. The term “Axe” in the name refers to a medieval symbol that represented trade and commerce. It is believed that the name was derived from the sign of an axe, which was once displayed on a house or tavern located in the area.
“St. Mary” in the name is a reference to the church dedicated to St. Mary that used to stand on the site. Although the original church was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666, the name has been preserved through the years as a reminder of its existence.
Historical Significance
The street known as St. Mary Axe has a rich historical background. It was part of the medieval City of London and has witnessed significant events throughout the centuries. The area was heavily bombed during World War II but was later reconstructed and became a prominent commercial hub.
Cultural Significance
Today, St. Mary Axe is known for its architectural significance, as it is home to several notable buildings, including the iconic “Gherkin” or 30 St. Mary Axe. This modern skyscraper has become an iconic symbol of London’s skyline and an internationally recognized landmark.
The name “St. Mary Axe” continues to be used to refer to both the street and the surrounding area, preserving its historical and cultural significance in the heart of London.
Pronunciation of St Mary Axe
St Mary Axe is a street located in the City of London, England. The name of the street is often mispronounced due to its unique spelling.
The correct pronunciation of St Mary Axe is “Seynt-Mair-ee-Ax”. The “St” in St Mary Axe is pronounced as “Seynt” with a soft “s” sound, similar to the word “saint”.
The word “Mary” is pronounced as “Mair-ee”, with the stress on the second syllable. The “Axe” in St Mary Axe is pronounced as “Ax”, with a short “a” sound and no silent “e”.
When saying the name of the street, it is important to pronounce each syllable clearly and to avoid blending the sounds together. Remember to emphasize the stress on the second syllable of “Mary” and to pronounce the “Axe” as “Ax”.
It is worth noting that when referring to the iconic skyscraper located on St Mary Axe, commonly known as “The Gherkin”, the pronunciation remains the same. The full name of the building is “30 St Mary Axe”, and it is pronounced as “Thirty Seynt-Mair-ee-Ax”.
Now that you know the correct pronunciation of St Mary Axe, you can confidently use the name of this street when talking about the City of London.
Tips for pronouncing St Mary Axe
If you’ve ever come across the name “St Mary Axe”, you may have wondered how it is pronounced. It can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with English place names. Here are some tips to help you pronounce it correctly:
1. Break it down:
When pronouncing St Mary Axe, it helps to break down the name into its individual parts. Start by saying “Saint” for “St”, then pronounce “Mary” as “Meh-ree”, and finally say “Axe” as “aks”.
2. Stress on “Axe”:
In the name St Mary Axe, the stress falls on the word “Axe”. This means that you should emphasize and elongate the vowel sound in “Axe” when saying the name. Think of it as “St Meh-ree Aks”.
Remember, the key to pronouncing St Mary Axe correctly is to break it down and focus on the stress on the word “Axe”. With a little practice, you’ll be able to say it effortlessly and confidently.
Famous landmarks in the vicinity of St Mary Axe
St Mary Axe is located in the heart of London’s financial district and is surrounded by numerous famous landmarks. When visiting St Mary Axe, it is worth exploring the following notable attractions:
1. The Gherkin (officially known as 30 St Mary Axe): This iconic skyscraper is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Designed by Norman Foster, its distinctive glass shape earned it the nickname “The Gherkin”. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from its top floors.
2. The Tower of London: Located just a short distance from St Mary Axe, the Tower of London is a historic castle that has played a significant role in the city’s history. It houses the Crown Jewels and offers guided tours where visitors can learn about its fascinating past.
3. The Shard: Standing at an impressive 306 meters tall, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Its observation deck provides panoramic views of the city, including St Mary Axe and other landmarks. A must-visit for anyone looking to experience London’s skyline.
4. Leadenhall Market: Situated nearby, Leadenhall Market is a beautiful Victorian covered market that dates back to the 14th century. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, boutique shops, and welcoming atmosphere. A great place to explore and grab a bite to eat.
5. Tower Bridge: Another famous London landmark in the vicinity of St Mary Axe is Tower Bridge. This iconic bridge, with its distinctive towers and suspended walkways, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Visitors can explore the Bridge’s exhibition and even walk across its glass floor.
These are just a few of the many landmarks that make the area around St Mary Axe a must-visit for tourists looking to delve into London’s rich history and architecture.
