CHRISTOPHER’S CATHEDRAL
The domed behemoth that today graces Ludgate Hill is the fifth cathedral to stand on this spot. The first, Saxon St Paul’s, dedicated in AD 604, went up in smoke – as did two successors. The fourth, begun in the late 11th century and known by Wren’s time as
Old St Paul’s, was already a tumbledown medieval structure by the time he became involved in restoring – really, rescuing – it in the early 1660s. In spring 1666, he proposed adding a mighty dome as “so remarkable an ornament to this mighty city”. In the event, the
Great Fire intervened.
The infamous blaze that tore through the city from 2 September 1666 destroyed some 13,200 buildings, leaving St Paul’s a roofless wreck. Now Wren had his chance – but such a huge project was neither quick nor cheap. It wasn’t till 1675 that a design was approved, and construction began in June that year. Frustrated by the authorities’ caution, Wren took to heart Charles II’s suggestion that he might make “ornamental variations”. His design evolved as the stones piled high; today’s St Paul’s looks nothing like the so-called Warrant Design.
The first service was held on 2 December 1697, and by 1700 the base of the dome was taking shape. The gilded ball and cross topping the dome’s lantern,
111.5 metres above street level, were finally added in 1708; three years later the cathedral was declared complete. Wren, who was in his late 70s, himself recognised the magnificence of his achievement, writing: “And if I glory, it is in the singular mercy of God, who has enabled me to begin and finish my great work so conformable to the ancient mode.”
Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge is a special exhibition exploring Wren’s early life, his scientific experiments, the building of St Paul’s and his legacy throughout the centuries. Open from spring 2023 in the Crypt, on display will be Wren’s personal artefacts and his ambitious architectural models for St Paul’s as well as the rebuilding of the City of London, drawings from the collections and archives of St Paul’s, RIBA and the Royal Society.
Entry included in sightseeing admission; visit stpauls. co.uk to book.