St Paul’s Cathedral history and timeline

St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral located at the highest point of London City. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of London, owing to its dome framed by Christopher Wren’s trademark spires. Read on to learn more about the history behind this iconic landmark of London.

St Paul’s Cathedral history explained

1666: The Great Fire of London

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.

1675-1710: Construction of the new 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.

1711: The construction of the dome

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.

1940s: During and post-World Wars

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.

1960s: Funerals of Churchill and Thatcher

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.

1981: Royal wedding at St Paul's Cathedral

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.

2002: Funeral of the Queen Mother

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: Diamond Jubliee at the 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.

Present: St Paul’s Cathedral today

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the history of St Paul’s Cathedral London

The first St Paul’s Cathedral was constructed in 604 by Saint Mellitus and Saint Augustine. The current St Paul’s Cathedral is the fourth structure built on the same site after previous ones fell to fire, war, or natural disasters.

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