Did you know the current St Paul’s Cathedral is not the first to stand on this site? Its story is one of resilience rebirth and architectural ambition. St Paul’s Cathedral is more than a building. It is a symbol of London itself.
The original St Paul’s Cathedral was founded in AD 604. This was during the reign of King Aethelberht I. This early church was a humble beginning. However, fire consumed it. It was rebuilt only to be raided by Vikings in 962. A third cathedral met the same fiery end in 1087.
The fourth St Paul’s known as Old St Paul’s rose from the ashes. Constructed in the late 11th century this cathedral became one of the largest buildings in the British Isles. Its spire soared even higher than the present dome. However the English Reformation took its toll. The building fell into disrepair. Its nave became a marketplace. Lightning struck the spire in 1561 causing a fire that destroyed it.
In the 1630s Inigo Jones initiated major repairs. He renovated walls and added a grand portico. The English Civil Wars brought further damage. Cromwellian troops used it as a barracks. By the 1660s Christopher Wren was enlisted to repair it. Before work could begin the Great Fire of London in 1666 reduced it to ruins.
After the Great Fire Christopher Wren was tasked with designing a new St Paul’s Cathedral. Wren combined Neoclassical Gothic and Baroque elements. His goal was to symbolize the ideals of the English Restoration and 17th-century scientific philosophy.
The design process was long. Wren developed five general stages. His first design included a circular domed vestibule and a rectangular church. It was rejected as not stately enough. The second design a Greek cross did not meet Anglican liturgy requirements. Wren’s third design the Great Model was his favorite. However critics found it too dissimilar to other English churches. The fourth design known as the Warrant design sought to reconcile Gothic style with a better manner of architecture.
The final St Paul’s design differed substantially from the Warrant design. Wren received permission to make ornamental changes. The dome was significantly altered. He raised a brick cone to support a stone lantern. He covered the cone with another cupola of timber and lead. The design was rooted in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Saucer domes over the nave were inspired by François Mansart’s Church of the Val-de-Grâce.
Construction of St Paul’s Cathedral spanned many years. The topping out took place on 26 October 1708. Parliament declared it officially complete on Christmas Day 1711. The total cost was £1,095,556.
St Paul’s Cathedral has three domes: an outer dome a brick cone for support and an inner dome. The cross atop the outer dome is nearly 366 feet above ground. The Golden Gallery offers panoramic views of London. Inside the Whispering Gallery allows whispers to be heard across its span.
Throughout its history St Paul’s Cathedral has hosted many national events. These include royal weddings state funerals and services of thanksgiving. It survived bombing attacks during both World Wars. It continues to be a symbol of hope and strength.
Today St Paul’s Cathedral remains a working church with daily services. It is open to tourists who come to admire its architecture and learn its history. As you stand here remember the words inscribed above Christopher Wren’s tomb: Reader if you seek his monument look around you. The cathedral itself is his lasting legacy.