st mark's was founded by the reverend charles tooth as a centre of worship for anglo-catholic members of the anglican church in florence. he started a house church at 1 via dei serragli in 1877 to teach anglo-catholic principles and celebrate the holy eucharist daily during the week. in 1880, tooth purchased a 15th-century palazzo to meet the new congregation's needs. john roddam spencer stanhope designed and created the wall and ceiling decorations at his own expense. the first holy eucharist was celebrated there on 1 may 1881, although chaplain and church were not licensed for service by the bishop until 1884. the premises were extended by the purchase of 16 via maggio in 1906.