St Paul's Cathedral in London

The famous St. Paul's Cathedral in London is one of the most valuable buildings in the UK. Since its construction, the cathedral has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. Even those who do not profess Christianity still visit this wonderful place to admire the stunning design. It has a rich history that has been passed down from generation to generation.

The history of St. Paul's Cathedral in London

The first church on this site was erected in 604, just eight years after the first Christian mission under St. Augustine landed in Kent. This wooden church was founded by King Ethelbert of Kent as a home for the first bishop of the East Saxons, Melitta. The first church was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by Saint Erkenwald, bishop in 675-85.

Another big fire occurred on September 4, 1666 in a bakery on Pudding Lane. Fanned by a strong wind, the fire spread through the cramped streets of London, destroying everything in its path. After four days of violent fire, St. Paul's Cathedral in London was reduced to charred logs and rubble.

Two stairs

To see the beauty of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, you need to climb to the top of the dome in the Golden Gallery. The dome is supported by eight arches, weighs 66,000 tons and reaches 111 meters in height, and its interior facade is decorated with frescoes by Sir James Thornhill. The staircase consists of 528 steps, from the landing you can enjoy panoramic views of the Thames, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare's Globe. Underground there is a crypt, the largest in Europe, where the tombs of famous personalities such as Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, as well as Ren, are located.

Art memory

St. Paul's Cathedral in London prides itself on being a kind of gallery of various works of art. In 2010, Anthony Gormley's sculpture "Flash II" was installed on a geometric staircase, and in 2014, Jerry Judah was commissioned to install it in the nave. In the north aisle for the choir, there is a 1943 limestone carving by Henry Moore depicting a Mother and Child (while Moore himself rests in the crypt below).

The last bell

St. Paul's Cathedral in London has a magnificent bell tower. Two of its largest bells have names: Veliky Tom and Veliky Pavel. While the latter has not rung for many years and needs to be repaired, the Great Volume is intended for the royal death of the last was Queen Elizabeth in 2002. He also called at the death of the mayor or bishop. However, a rare exception was made for US President James Garfield, who died in 1881.