Christopher Wren(1632-1723)
- Art Department
Christopher Wren was born on 20 October 1632 in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, where his father was rector. His father later moved to Windsor and Wren was educated at Westminster School and then Oxford University. He showed an early talent for mathematics and enjoyed inventing things, including an instrument for writing in the dark and a pneumatic machine.
Wren was one of Britain's most distinguished architects, best known for the design of many London churches, including St Paul's Cathedral. In 1665, Wren visited Paris, where he was strongly influenced by French and Italian baroque styles. Wren did design 51 new city churches, as well as the new St Paul's Cathedral.
In 1669, he was appointed surveyor of the royal works which effectively gave him control of all government building in the country. He was knighted in 1673.
Christopher Wren died on 25 February 1723. His gravestone in St Paul's Cathedral features the Latin inscription which translates as: 'If you seek his memorial, look about you.'
Wren was one of Britain's most distinguished architects, best known for the design of many London churches, including St Paul's Cathedral. In 1665, Wren visited Paris, where he was strongly influenced by French and Italian baroque styles. Wren did design 51 new city churches, as well as the new St Paul's Cathedral.
In 1669, he was appointed surveyor of the royal works which effectively gave him control of all government building in the country. He was knighted in 1673.
Christopher Wren died on 25 February 1723. His gravestone in St Paul's Cathedral features the Latin inscription which translates as: 'If you seek his memorial, look about you.'