St Paul’s Cathedral

History

Blessed Sacrament windowA cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood on this site since 604AD, and throughout the cathedral has remained a busy, working church where millions come to reflect and find peace.

St Paul’s is not only an iconic part of the London skyline but also a symbol of the hope, resilience and strength of the city and nation it serves. Above all, St Paul’s Cathedral is a lasting monument to the glory of God.

Its rich and diverse history means there is lots for visitors to the cathedral to discover.

 

Architecture

The current cathedral – the fifth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.

Over the centuries, St Paul’s has changed to reflect shifting tastes and attitudes. Decoration has been added and removed, services have been updated, and different areas have been put to new uses. Today, the history of the nation is written in the carved stone of its pillars and arches and is celebrated in its works of art and monuments.

In the crypt are effigies and fragments of stone that pre-date the cathedral, relics of a medieval world. From Wren’s original vision, Jean Tijou’s beautiful wrought iron gates of 1700 still separate the quire from the ambulatory; children still test the acoustics in the Whispering Gallery; and the 1695 organ which Mendelssohn once played is still in use.

The magnificent mosaics are the result of Queen Victoria’s mid-19th century complaint that the interior was “most dreary, dingy and undevotional.” The American Memorial Chapel stands behind the High Altar in an area that was bomb-damaged during the Second World War – a gesture of gratitude to the American dead of the Second World War from the people of Britain. An altar has now been installed on a dais in the heart of the Cathedral, bringing services closer to those who attend them.

St Paul’s is currently undergoing an historic £40 million programme of cleaning and repair. This is the first time in its long history that the building has been comprehensively restored inside and out. Once the programme of cleaning and repair is finished in 2011 the two million visitors and worshippers who come to St Paul’s each year can witness Wren’s original vision and see his Cathedral as fresh as the day it was completed.

Attractions

St Paul’s, with its world-famous Dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s awe-inspiring interior, and uncover fascinating stories about its history.

So come and explore St Paul’s for yourself. Whether you try out the acoustic quirks of the Whispering Gallery, climb up to the Golden Gallery and enjoy breathtaking views across London, or take a moment for reflection and contemplation - a visit to St Paul’s will be one you won’t forget.

Local Interest

Tate Modern
The London Eye
The Tower of London
Westminster Abbey
Shakespeare's Globe
The Monument
The Museum of London