On This Day Nov 13, 1673, Christopher Wren, the esteemed English architect, received the royal appointment from King Charles II to undertake the monumental task of rebuilding St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. This initiative stemmed from the ashes of the Great Fire of London in 1666, which had consumed the previous medieval cathedral.
Wren’s vision for the fourth rendition of St. Paul’s Cathedral incorporated classical elements, marking a departure from its medieval predecessor. Over the following decades, Wren’s architectural prowess and dedication shaped the iconic landmark we recognize today. The new St. Paul’s Cathedral, a testament to Wren’s genius, stands proudly in London, symbolizing both resilience and architectural magnificence.
The construction of the cathedral spanned several decades, with the final touches completed in the early 18th century.
The first St. Paul’s Cathedral on the site was built in 604 AD and was destroyed by fire in 675 AD. The second cathedral, constructed in the 7th century, suffered a similar fate when it was destroyed by Vikings in 962 AD. The third rendition, dating back to 1087, was the longest-standing medieval cathedral on the site. However, it too met its end during the Great Fire of London in 1666. This catastrophic fire, which started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, raged through the city and consumed much of its infrastructure, including the medieval St. Paul’s Cathedral. Christopher Wren’s appointment in 1673 marked the beginning of the construction of the fourth and current St. Paul’s Cathedral, rising from the ashes of the Great Fire.
Image prompt: HISTORICAL prompt by @timetravelr2025 – https://x.com/timetravelr2025/status/168823447103039
