Notes on Sir Christopher Wren and St Paul's Cathedral

Introduction

• Sir Christopher Wren: Architect who rebuilt London
• St Paul's Cathedral: Dominant silhouette of London's skyline
• Symbol of resilience and rebirth after the Great Fire of 1666

Early Life and Education

• Born: October 20, 1632, in East Noyle, Wiltshire
• Family background: Influential in ecclesiastical and academic circles
  • Father: Dr. Christopher Wren, Rector and Dean
  • Uncle: Matthew Wren, Bishop of Ely
• Childhood: Demonstrated intellectual prowess, constructed mechanical devices at age 9
• Education:
  • Westminster School: Excelled in Latin and classics
  • Wadham College, Oxford: Matriculated at age 14
  • Influential figures: Studied under John Wilkins, a founding member of the Royal Society

Scientific Contributions

• Interests: Astronomy, physics, mechanics, geometry
• Innovations:
  • Weather clock analogous to a modern barometer
  • Model of the moon's surface based on telescopic observations
  • Translated works on sundials at age 15
  • Made strides in microscopy
• Member of the Royal Society: Engaged with notable scientists like Robert Boyle, Robert Hooke, and Isaac Newton
• Chair of Astronomy at Oxford (1661-1673): Published papers on critical engineering concepts

Architectural Career

• Appointment: Assistant Surveyor General of Royal Works by King Charles II (1661)
• Self-taught in architecture: Studied classical architecture through texts by Vitruvius and Inigo Jones
• Early projects:
  • Sheldonian Theater in Oxford (completed 1669)

The Great Fire of London (1666)

• Disaster: Raged for 4 days, destroying thousands of buildings including St Paul's Cathedral
• Opportunity for urban renewal:
  • Medieval street plan laid in ashes
  • Proposed radical redesign of London with modern planning principles
• Vision for London:
  • Wide boulevards, regularized street grids, public squares
  • Grand avenue along the River Thames
  • Suggested transforming the Fleet River into a wide canal
  • Streets designed to promote public health and prevent fires
  • Emphasis on grandeur and monumentalism

Challenges in Implementation

• Fragmented land ownership hindered large-scale reconfiguration
• Political constraints: King Charles II’s administration focused on finances and recovery from plague
• Result: City was rebuilt along old lines, but Wren focused on public buildings and churches

Major Architectural Contributions

• Over 50 churches designed in London:
  • Notable: St Mary-le-Bow, St Stephen Walbrook
• Secular contributions:
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich (1675)
  • Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace
  • Monument to the Great Fire of London (1677)
• Academic contributions:
  • Tom Tower at Christ Church College, Cambridge

St Paul's Cathedral

• Construction from 1675 to 1710: 35-year endeavor
• Design features:
  • Triple dome structure (inner dome, secondary brick cone, outer dome)
  • Symbolic height of 365 ft
  • Classical architectural principles with Gothic elements
• Completion: Final stone set by Wren's son in 1710

Later Life and Legacy

• Knighted in 1673, became Sir Christopher Wren
• Reflected on St Paul's annually until his death
• Died: February 25, 1723, at age 90, interred in St Paul's Cathedral
• Epitaph: "If you seek his monument, look around"

Impact and Reflection

• Legacy: Influence on London’s architectural heritage is immeasurable
• Synthesis of science, art, and engineering in his works
• Lessons for modern urban development: Balancing visionary designs with practical implementation
• St Paul's Cathedral as a symbol of innovation and resilience