About the St. Paul's Cathedral Walk in London
St Paul's Cathedral, with its dome dominating the London skyline, is the classical-baroque masterpiece of London's great 17th century architect Sir Christopher Wren. During a short walk around the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral we will discuss Old St Paul's, the gothic structure that occupied this site until 1666 when it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. We will look at the recently rediscovered foundations of the Chapter House and St Paul's Cross. These will help us to develop some understanding of Old St Paul's as a centre of the Roman Catholic Church in London before the 16th century Reformation.
On entering the cathedral we will be confronted by a magnificent and spacious interior beautifully adorned with natural light. We will begin by discussing Wren's life and the many achievements, architectural and otherwise, of his prolific career. As we explore our attention will be drawn by the architectural detailing conceived by Wren and made real through the insight and abi
read more
St Paul's Cathedral, with its dome dominating the London skyline, is the classical-baroque masterpiece of London's great 17th century architect Sir Christopher Wren. During a short walk around the grounds of St Paul's Cathedral we will discuss Old St Paul's, the gothic structure that occupied this site until 1666 when it was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. We will look at the recently rediscovered foundations of the Chapter House and St Paul's Cross. These will help us to develop some understanding of Old St Paul's as a centre of the Roman Catholic Church in London before the 16th century Reformation.
On entering the cathedral we will be confronted by a magnificent and spacious interior beautifully adorned with natural light. We will begin by discussing Wren's life and the many achievements, architectural and otherwise, of his prolific career. As we explore our attention will be drawn by the architectural detailing conceived by Wren and made real through the insight and ability of his trusted team of Master Craftsmen and then discuss the effects of the 19th century Victorian additions on Wren's vision. We will also look at some of the monuments and tombs which commemorate illustrious 18th and 19th century figures including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington- heroes of The Napoleonic Wars. At the east end of the cathedral we will find the American Memorial Chapel dedicated to the 28,000 members of United States Forces who gave their lives on British soil during World War II and holding a Roll of Honour which names them all.
The ways in which St Paul's has been used as a religious and cultural symbol throughout its history as well as the position it has held as a focal point for English and British National Identity will become apparent through discussing St Paul's as an architectural tour de force; as the vision of one man; as a place to remember and celebrate great figures and events from history; as a site of historical importance for London; and as an Anglican place of worship. We will see it as emblematic not just of man's desire to reflect divinity on earth but also of our apparent need to memorialise the great figures and momentous events that litter centuries of this land's history.
Then, depending on your preference, we can either climb the dome to further examine Wren's architectural innovations, experience spectacular views of the City skyline and hear ghostly whispers in the famous Whispering Gallery, or we can continue exploring Wren's architecture with a short City walk looking at several of his smaller City Churches.
