Day Four, pt.1
Wednesday started out sunny and windy. We walked over to Fleet Street (quite a hike) to catch the No. 15 bus to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The first cathedral was built on this site in 604 AD. The current cathedral was built after the previous one was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned in 1668 to design the new St. Paul’s. After several setbacks, Wren was given final approval in 1675. The work was completed in 1710. Wren died in 1723 at the age of 91. He is buried in St. Paul’s Crypt next to people like Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
The cathedral suffered damages during the bombing raids of World War II. We saw the American Memorial Chapel. This is behind the High Altar and was built as a gesture of gratitude from the British people to the American people for their sacrifice during WWII.
St. Paul’s is Anglican and part of the Church of England. It is a working church and even with tourists passing through, it conducts worship services several times each day. While I was there, I attended the 12:30 service. St. Paul’s is known for its music and choirs. Check out the CDs that our library owns.
Back on the No. 15 bus for a ride to the National Gallery!
Beth, Reader’s Services Librarian
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