St Paul’s Cathedral history and timeline

The Great Fire of London in 1666 devastated the third St Paul's Cathedral, prompting its demolition. Sir Christopher Wren was then tasked with designing and overseeing the construction of the current St Paul's Cathedral.

Christopher Wren orchestrated the design and construction of the cathedral in the English Baroque style, featuring high ceilings, decorative moldings and carvings, stained glass windows, and mosaics and paintings depicting the life of St. Paul on the ceilings.

The completed St Paul’s dome soared to nearly 365 feet, ranking among the world's tallest. The dome's towering presence enhances the cathedral's grandeur and pioneering creativity, establishing the cathedral as a monumental fixture in London's skyline.

Despite heavy bombing during the Blitz, the cathedral survived, and the iconic photograph of it standing amidst the smoke and flames became a powerful image. The cathedral held services marking the end of the World Wars as a national site for remembrance of wartime history.

St Paul's Cathedral served as the venue for the funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. These ceremonies emphasized the cathedral's status as a site of national importance for commemorating notable individuals and hosting state occasions.

In 1981, St Paul's Cathedral hosted Prince Charles and Lady Diana's royal wedding, a globally celebrated event known for its grandeur and romance. This ceremony symbolized hope and joy, highlighting the cathedral's role as a venue for prestigious occasions.

In 2002, St Paul's Cathedral held the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth - The Queen Mother. Dignitaries and mourners from across the globe gathered to pay homage to the revered royal figure at the nationally significant cathedral.

2012 witnessed St Paul's Cathedral hosting Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Attended by the royal family and Commonwealth representatives, the service honored the Queen's 60 years of service, symbolizing the relationship between the monarchy and the Church of England.

St Paul's is one of the world's best-known cathedrals and one of the most recognizable sights in London. It is also the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church in the Diocese of London. St Paul's Cathedral is a working church that offers hourly prayer and daily services.