Not Just the Tudors The Rise of St Paul's Cathedral
Nov 10, 2025
Join architectural historian Dr. Elizabeth Deans, a specialist in Sir Christopher Wren, as she discusses the fascinating birth of St Paul’s Cathedral from the ashes of the Great Fire of London. Delve into Wren’s journey from scientist to state architect and his ambitious designs that met both admiration and resistance. Discover the technical marvel of the dome and evolving architectural influences, alongside Wren's hands-on approach in his later years. This captivating story highlights how beauty rose from destruction, cementing Wren's legacy in British architecture.
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Royal Taste Shaped The Design
- Wren's first design was a classical basilica that pleased the brief but lacked royal grandeur.
- Charles II wanted a more stately, continental statement, prompting Wren to rethink form and scale.
Dome Ambition Clashed With Anglican Sensibilities
- Wren's second 'Greek-cross' design prioritized a centralized dome and continental language.
- Clergy objected because it looked too Catholic and un-Anglican despite its structural elegance.
Secure Formal Approval First
- Obtain formal approval before mobilizing large resources and contracts on major projects.
- Use approvals to write contracts, hire teams and stake out work with clarity and legal authority.
