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Rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral (13th Century)

Introduction

St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous landmarks, built in 1260-1676 to commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Paul the Apostle.

The cathedral was designed by architect Christopher Wren and constructed using brick, stone, and copper. It took nearly 400 years to complete, with several interruptions due to wars and other conflicts. The Rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral is an account of this reconstruction project, which began in 1666 after a devastating fire destroyed the original building.

Key Facts

  • Built: 1260-1676 (over 400 years)
  • Architects: Christopher Wren, Sir Christopher Wren
  • Location: London, England
  • Original builder: Bishop Robert Hales and his assistants
  • Materials used: Brick, stone, copper

Historical Context:

St Paul's Cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style to commemorate Saint Paul's martyrdom. After his death in 337 AD, he had been shipwrecked on the island of Malta and later became a Christian missionary. The cathedral was commissioned by King Edward IV during the reign of Queen Mary I.

However, when King James I ascended to the throne after Mary's death, Wren began working on a new design for St Paul's Cathedral. This project would eventually become one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a testament to his innovative architectural style.

Significant Contributions

  • New design: Christopher Wren's original design was much smaller than the current structure
  • Innovative use of materials: Copper, brick, and stone were used to create a new cathedral that could withstand fires and other disasters
  • Symbolism: The cathedral features several symbolic elements, including the six pointed arches on top and the statue of Saint Paul on top

Notable Attractions:

  • The Great Organ: A massive pipe organ built by Henry Purcell in 1672
  • The Stained Glass Windows: Over 400 pieces of stained glass work, depicting scenes from the Bible
  • The Royal Portraits: Paintings by Rubens and other artists on display throughout the cathedral

Conclusion

Rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral is a testament to Christopher Wren's innovative architectural style and his ability to create a landmark that has endured for centuries. From its original design to its current state, this iconic building continues to inspire wonder and awe in visitors from around the world.

References:

  • The London Gazette: Official

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 14:45:31
  • Keywords: Rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral (13th Century), wiki, history, attractions, facts
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