St Paul's Cathedral

Published: July 11, 2026 · Updated: July 11, 2026

1675–1710

St Paul's Cathedral is the cathedral of London, rebuilt by Christopher Wren between 1675 and 1710 after the Great Fire. Its great dome is a landmark of the city skyline.

St Paul's Cathedral — Author: Mark Fosh CC BY 2.0 Source

Overview

Wren designed the present cathedral in the English Baroque style to replace the medieval Old St Paul’s destroyed in 1666. Its most striking feature is the vast dome — one of the largest in the world — set on a drum above the crossing, with the Whispering Gallery around its interior base. The building was declared complete in 1711.

Description

It has hosted great state occasions — the funerals of Nelson, Wellington, and Churchill, and the 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana. Its survival through the Blitz, famously photographed wreathed in smoke in 1940, made it a symbol of London’s endurance.

History and legacy

St Paul’s is Wren’s masterpiece and one of the most recognizable buildings in Britain, still an active cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of London. Its dome remains an icon of the city.

Periods

Stuart era 1603–1714

Regions

Britain