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| St Paul's Cathedral |
Walking around the city of London the influence of Wren is everywhere from the Dome of St Paul's Cathedral to the Royal Chelsea hospital for retired soldiers. In 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the medieval city, providing a huge opportunity for Wren. He produced ambitious plans for rebuilding the whole area but they were rejected, partly because property owners insisted on keeping the sites of their destroyed buildings. However, Wren went on to design 51 new city churches, as well as the new St Paul's Cathedral.
Just down the road from St Paul's is the remains of another church:
Although Christchuch of Greyfriars was bombed during WW2 the remains are still there. There is a feeling of peace and serenity within the grounds of the church and is used today as a retreat from the stress and pace of citylife.
Wren died on 25 February 1723. His gravestone in St Paul's Cathedral features the Latin inscription which translates as: 'If you seek his memorial, look about you.'
It's so beautiful, and I would LOVE to go there and meditate. But this is a good second option. :-)
ReplyDeleteFunny, I have this memory of my mother (she was a Newfoundlander) quoting a line or two from a poem with "Sir Christopher Wren's" name in it, but there the memory fades. Anyhow, i enjoyed your post and especially the 3rd and 4th photographs. Something about arched windows in combination with beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteI remember visiting St. Pauls on a school trip when I was a kid - being used the small churches of northern Somerset I was rather taken aback! It’s a great building.
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Australia
The flowers are a beautiful contrast to the stone. Gorgeous pics! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to maintain the remains of the old church! :o)
ReplyDelete