Reader if you seek a monument look about you. That’s the inscription for Sir Christopher Wren who built St Paul’s Catholic Church. Today we’ll explore this London icon. St Paul’s Catholic Church is not just a building. It is a vibrant church and a national treasure.
St Paul’s Catholic Church has watched over London for over 1400 years. The first church on this site was built in 604 AD. Saint Mellitus consecrated it. This original wooden church suffered damage from Viking raids and fires. Bishop Maurice built a more durable cathedral around 1087. It stood for nearly 600 years.
Originally a Catholic church, St Paul’s became Anglican after the Reformation. Elizabeth I confirmed this change in 1559. Over the years fire and the English Civil War caused deterioration.
Sir Christopher Wren proposed renovations. He envisioned an imposing dome. However the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the cathedral.
After the fire Wren redesigned St Paul’s. Construction began in 1675. It took 33 years. Wren’s son laid the final stone. Sir James Thornhill adorned the dome’s interior with scenes from St Paul’s life.
Queen Victoria found the cathedral dreary. This spurred efforts to clean and improve it. Stained glass was installed. Mosaics were added to the dome. Wealthy donors contributed funds. Royal events boosted the cathedral’s prestige.
In the early 20th century St Paul’s closed for five years. Workers strengthened the dome and piers. This proved crucial during World War II. Despite being hit twice by bombs the damage was limited.
After the war St Paul’s became a symbol of resilience. Heads of state and social reformers visited. The cathedral hosted celebrations. Prince Charles married Princess Diana here. Queen Elizabeth II’s jubilee services took place here. St Paul’s also provided solace after the 7/7 bombings. Special memorial services were held.
The dome of St Paul’s stands 111 metres high. It weighs 65000 tonnes. A ball and cross top the dome. It’s 7 metres high. There are three galleries inside the dome.
You can visit St Paul’s for sightseeing Monday to Saturday. On Sundays it is open for worship only. Guided tours are available daily. Experts lead these tours. Interactive activities explore the history and architecture.
St Paul’s is home to a remarkable art collection. Grinling Gibbons’ carvings and Sir James Thornhill’s murals are highlights. Modern artists like Yoko Ono and Antony Gormley have also contributed.
There are many ways to donate to St Paul’s. You can support building maintenance and music programmes. Join the Friends of St Paul’s for free visits and discounts.
Inside St Paul’s don’t miss the Whispering Gallery. A whisper on one side can be heard on the other. The Golden Gallery offers panoramic views of London.
Many notable figures are buried in the crypt. These include Sir Christopher Wren Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Wren’s epitaph is a highlight. It encourages visitors to look around for his monument.
St Paul’s is built in the Baroque architectural style. It was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1965. The cathedral features 12 bells in the northwest tower. They form the second largest ring of bells worldwide. Portland stone mainly makes up St Paul’s.
Remember as you leave St Paul’s that you’ve walked through history. You’ve experienced art and architecture. And you’ve connected with a living symbol of London.