St Paul's Cathedral in London
The famous St. Paul's Cathedral in London is one of the most valuable buildings in Great Britain. Since its construction, the cathedral has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. Even those who are not Christians still visit this beautiful place to admire the stunning design. It has a rich history that is passed down from generation to generation.
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 stave church was founded by King Ethelbert of Kent as the home of the first East Saxon bishop, Mellitus. The first church was destroyed by fire and restored 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 torrid fire, St Paul's Cathedral in London was reduced to charred timber and rubble.
Two stairs
To see all 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 rests on eight arches, weighs 66,000 tons and reaches 111 meters in height, and its internal façade 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 is a crypt, the largest in Europe, containing the tombs of famous figures such as Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, as well as Wren.
Memory of Art
St Paul's Cathedral in London prides itself on being a unique gallery of various works of art. In 2010, Antony Gormley's sculpture Flash II was installed on the geometric staircase, and in 2014 Gerry Judah was commissioned to install it in the nave. In the north choir aisle, stands a 1943 limestone carving by Henry Moore of 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. Its two largest bells are named: Great Tom and Great Paul. While the latter has not rung for years and is in need of repair, the Great Tom is destined for the royal death of Queen Elizabeth in 2002. He also called upon the death of a mayor or bishop. However, a rare exception was made for US President James Garfield, who died in 1881.
