St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in London, officially opened on 2 December 1697. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, it has stood as a symbol of resilience, national pride, and architectural brilliance ever since.
To celebrate the anniversary of its opening, here are 10 fascinating facts about St Paul’s Cathedral that highlight its role in British heritage.
1. Sir Christopher Wren Was the First Person Buried at St Paul’s Cathedral
The legendary architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed the current version of St Paul’s, was the first person buried in its crypt. Upon his death in 1723, he was laid to rest beneath the Cathedral he brought to life. Today, a Latin inscription above his tomb reads:
“If you seek his monument, look around you.”
2. St Paul’s Is the Fourth Church on the Site
The site of St Paul’s Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since AD 604. The current cathedral is the fourth iteration, built after the previous one was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
3. The Dome Is the Second Largest in the World
St Paul’s is world-renowned for its magnificent dome, which reaches a height of 366 feet (111 metres). It’s the second-largest cathedral dome in the world, after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of London.
4. It Houses an Extensive Art Collection
The Cathedral is home to an impressive art collection spanning several centuries. One of its most notable works is Henry Moore’s “Madonna and Child” sculpture, among many other religious and contemporary pieces.
5. Modern Art Installations Are Regularly Hosted
St Paul’s Cathedral isn’t just about historical art—it regularly hosts rotating modern art installations. Notable contributors have included Yoko Ono and Swarovski, blending tradition with contemporary creativity.
6. Burial or a Funeral at St Paul’s Is a National Honour
To be buried or have your funeral at St Paul’s is considered one of the highest national honours in the UK.
Notable funerals held there include:
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Winston Churchill
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Baroness Thatcher
Famous figures buried there include:
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Florence Nightingale
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Alexander Fleming
The crypt, the largest in Western Europe, stretches the full length of the cathedral and contains over 200 monuments.
7. Suffragettes Once Attempted to Bomb the Cathedral
During their campaign for women’s voting rights, Suffragettes planted a battery-powered bomb inside St Paul’s Cathedral in an attempt to destroy the Bishop’s Throne. The device failed to detonate, but it remains a powerful reminder of the turbulent path toward women’s suffrage in the UK.
8. Martin Luther King Preached at St Paul’s Cathedral
In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a sermon at St Paul’s to a congregation of over 3,000 people. A powerful moment in the cathedral’s history, it cemented its reputation as a place for peace, dialogue, and civil rights.
9. The Whispering Gallery Lives Up to Its Name
The cathedral’s Whispering Gallery, located 30 metres above the floor of the nave, is famous for its unique acoustics. A whisper uttered against the wall can be clearly heard on the opposite side of the gallery, making it one of the most popular features for visitors.
10. St Paul’s Was London’s Tallest Building for Over 250 Years
Until 1962, St Paul’s Cathedral held the record as London’s tallest building. Situated on Ludgate Hill, the city’s highest natural point, it remains a dominating feature of London’s skyline and is still one of the largest churches in the world.
A National Treasure in the Heart of London
From royal ceremonies and state funerals to secret whispers and revolutionary speeches, St Paul’s Cathedral has played a vital role in British history. Whether you’re visiting for the views, the art, or the architecture, it remains one of the most treasured heritage sites in the UK.