St Paul’s, with its world-famous Dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD. The current Cathedral – the fourth, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
Important events at the Cathedral have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill, Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria, peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars, the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
The Robot recommends to see on your visit:
- The Whispering Gallery runs around the interior of the Dome (and is up 259 steps from ground level). It gets its name from a charming quirk in its construction, which makes a whisper against its walls audible on the opposite side.
- Nelson’s Tomb in the Crypt. Admiral Nelson lies at the centre of the Crypt, directly beneath the middle of the Dome. Nelso is famous for leading the English to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Unfortunately it was Nelson’s last battle. His body was brought back to London in a large wooden barrel, covered with French brandy and topped up with spirits of wine and camphor at Gibraltar. Nelson was buried in St Paul’s on January 9th 1806 where he was interred beneath the black sarcophagus originally made for Cardinal Wolsey (who used to own Hampton Court Palace) in the early 16th century.
Nearest station: St Paul’s (Central Line; 2 minute walk); Mansion House, Cannon Street and Blackfriars (District and Circle Lines; short walking distance).
Opening times: Monday to Saturday between 08.30 – 16.00
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk
Address:
St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD (Map)
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