Saint Paul's Cathedral
a cathedral in central London, which is the largest Protestant church in the UK and one of the best-known buildings in London. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1676 and 1710. A previous cathedral in the same place was destroyed in the Great Fire of London (1666). It is said to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe.
There are three Galleries and 17 bells in the Cathedral. The largest bell is called Great Paul. The funerals of a lot of notable figures have occured at the cathedral.
The cathedral has a very substantial crypt, holding over 200 memorials, and serves as both the Order of the British Empire Chapel and the Treasury.
St Paul's is home to other plaques, carvings, statues, memorials and tombs of famous British figures including:
- General Sir Isaac Brock
- Sir Edwin Lutyens
- Sir Arthur Sullivan
- Lord Kitchener
- The Duke of Wellington
Most of the memorials commemorate the British military, including several lists of servicemen who died in action, the most recent being the Gulf War. Also remembered are poets, painters, clergy and residents of the local parish. There are lists of the Bishops and cathedral Deans for the last thousand years.
Modern-day.
The Royal Family holds most of their important marriages, christenings and funerals at Westminster Abbey, but St Paul's was used for the marriage of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer.
The cathedral is open to the public, with a charge for non-worshipping visitors.
As one of the famous and important buildings in London, St. Paul’s Cathedral are also often appear to be the location of filming, three of whom are Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Sherlock Holmes, and Star Trek Into Darkness.
St. Paul’s is a lasting monument to the glory of God and a symbol of hope and strength of the city and the United Kingdom. It embodies the spiritual life and heritage of the British people.
