SUTTON Travels: St Paul's Cathedral London

31 October 2019

St Paul's Cathedral London

St Paul's from Millennium Bridge 2004

St Paul's is a beautiful domed church with a long history. Roman artifacts have been found in the area, but rumors about a former Roman Temple on the site have not been substantiated.

The first church was built of wood in 604, which is nearly 200 years after the Romans left Britain in 410. Other churches were rebuilt on the site. Fire destroyed the first church in 675. In 962, the Cathedral was rebuilt of stone after the Vikings destroyed the second building. In 1087, Bishop Maurice began building a Cathedral that would last nearly 600 years.

St Paul's was originally a Catholic Cathedral until the Church of England was established. Some early shrines and images were destroyed during the period of iconoclasm.

The Cathedral was severely damaged in the Great Fire of London, 1666. Sir Christopher Wren designed a replacement and work began in 1675. The work was completed 26 October 1708.

St Paul's Cathedral is not only an iconic church and symbol of London but it is clearly part of English history, a Museum, and an art gallery.

A view of the choir and ceiling in St Paul's Cathedral.