Historical Figure
Christopher Wren
1632–1723
English architect (1632–1723)
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Biography
Sir Christopher Wren FRS was an English architect, astronomer, mathematician and physicist who is one of the most highly acclaimed architects in the history of England. Known for his work in the English Baroque style, he was accorded responsibility for rebuilding 52 churches in the City of London after the Great Fire in 1666, including what is regarded as his masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral, on Ludgate Hill, completed in 1710.
In Their Own Words (2)
Architecture has its political Use; public Buildings being the Ornament of a Country; it establishes a Nation, draws People and Commerce; makes the People love their native Country, which Passion is the Original of all great Actions in a Common-wealth…. Architecture aims at Eternity.
"Of Architecture", Parentalia; or Memoirs of the Family of the Wrens, comp. by his son Christopher (1750, reprinted 1965), Appendix, p. 351. , 1750
A time will come when men will stretch out their eyes. They should see planets like our Earth.
Inaugural Lecture as Professor of Astronomy, Gresham College, as quoted in If the Universe is Teeming with Aliens-- where is Everybody? Fifty Solutions to the Fermi Paradox and the Problem of Extraterrestrial Life, by Stephen Webb (2002), p. 150. , 2002
Timeline
The story of Christopher Wren, told in moments.
Already a distinguished astronomer and mathematician. A founding member of the Royal Society. Isaac Newton and Blaise Pascal both praised his scientific work.
The Great Fire of London destroyed 13,200 houses and 87 churches. Wren was appointed to rebuild 52 of those churches. He was 33.
Began building St Paul's Cathedral, the project that would consume 35 years of his life. He was 43 when the first stone was laid and 78 when his son placed the last.
Died at 90 in his house on Hampton Court Green. He'd also designed the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich.
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