Sir Christopher Wren is probably best known for being the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral. But do you know what else he did? Wren was also a brilliant scientist who worked in many different disciplines. He devised experiments, made discoveries, and was a founder member of the Royal society.
Sir Christopher Wren – the man who rebuilt London
In 1666 the City of London was struck by disaster. The Great Fire of London destroyed houses, churches, and everything else, The City was left a smoking ruin. In the years and decades followingthe Fire, the City had to be rebuilt. Wren was the man of the moment. As well as rebuilding St Paul’s Cathedral he was appointed to the Commission for Building Fifty New Churches, and he designed many other buildings too.
The Churches of Sir Christopher Wren
Wren built more than fifty churches, all of them different. It’s 300 years since his death, but some of his finest City churches still survive. This walk will take you on a tour of of some wonderful Wren churches. Some are in their original state as he intended, some have been modified over the centuries. There are some churches that survive only as ruins, but many are still in regular use.
City Skyline
The huge dome of St Paul’s Cathedral has dominated the skyline in the City of London for two centuries. It is surrounded by the spires of many Wren churches. In more recent years the City has seen development of tall modern buildings, yet Wren’s magnificent Cathedral is still the most iconic view.
Come and see the churches, the spires, and some of Christopher Wren’s other surviving projects. Along the way we’ll talk about the man himself and his life as well as seeing some of his great work. Work that has shaped the City of London. The walk lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours.
More about your City Guide Mike Daly