St Paul's Cathedral

A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604AD, a constant reminder to this great commercial centre of the importance of the spiritual side of life.

The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Its architectural and artistic importance reflect the determination of the five monarchs who oversaw its building that London’s leading church should be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces.

As the Cathedral of the capital city, St Paul’s is the spiritual focus for the Nation. This is where people and events of overwhelming importance to the country have been celebrated, mourned and commemorated since the first Service took place in 1697.

Since then important services have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill; Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria, King George V; peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars; the launch of the Festival of Britain; the Service of Remembrance and Commemoration for the 11th September 2001: the 80th and 100th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the Thanksgiving for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen.

Throughout, St Paul’s has remained a busy, working church where millions have come to worship and find peace. It is a heritage site of international importance which attracts thousands of people each year, a symbol of the City and Nation it serves and, above all, a lasting monument to the glory of God.

Guided tours of the Cathedral and Crypt, lasting approximately one and a half hours are available at 11.00, 11.30, 13.30 and 14.00. Included within the tour is the Quire and geometric staircase.

Recorded cassette tours of the Cathedral and Crypt, lasting approximately 45 minutes are available from 09.00 to 15.30 in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

The Triforium Tour includes a visit to the library and a glimpse of the famous geometrical staircase, as well as a spectacular view from the West End down the Nave. The visit culminates in the Trophy Room, where Wren's Great Model, based on an early plan for the Cathedral in the form of a Greek cross, is on display. You will be able to admire this intricate feat of craftsmanship which reflects the design Wren most desired for St Paul's, but which he was obliged to recast along more conventional lines to give us the magnificent St Paul's of today.

For more information about St Paul's Cathedral, visit: http://www.stpauls.co.uk/