St. Paul's Cathedral
The Great Fire of London in 1666 left much of the city in ruins, including the medieval St. Paul's Cathedral that had stood on the sight for many centuries. From the ashes of this disaster, architect Sir Christopher Wren designed and oversaw the construction of a new Cathedral, and the present building was the stunning result.
Recent important historical events that have occurred at St. Paul's include:
- Bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, becoming a symbol of British resistance (see picture below)
- The state funeral of war-time leader Winston Churchill in 1965.
- The wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.
Highlights of any visit to St. Paul's:
- The initial view of the cathedral's West Front and Towers from Ludgate Hill (use Blackfriars tube)
- Climbing up the Dome, the second largest in the world.
- The Stone Gallery offers great views over London.
- The acoustics of the Whispering Gallery inside the Dome allow whispers to be heard by listeners on the far side.
- The huge and well-ordered interior.
- The Crypt, in which memorials to such British heroes as Lord Nelson, Lawrence of Arabia, and Sir Christopher Wren himself can be seen.
Getting There
Ludgate Hill, EC4. Located in the heart of the old City.
St. Paul's, Blackfriars, or Mansion House Tubes, St. Paul's Thameslink.
Opening Times and Admission Charges
The cathedral is open 8.30am to 4pm Mon-Sat.
Admission charge £5 for adults.
More Information
Check out the website at www.stpauls.co.uk, phone 0207 236 4128, or email
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