Home renovation companies offer a wide variety of services, as oftentimes ground floor extensions are paired with other home improvement projects for efficiency. Here at Home Tales, we specialise in producing internal refurbishments, ground floor extensions, and loft conversions. When undertaking a home extension, it just makes sense to refurbish a bedroom or bathroom while the builders are in.

Every now and then, we like to pay tribute to Architects that have helped define the architectural character of London, making us stand out in the world. In today’s post, we would like to explore some key works created by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) who has played a huge part in our built environment. Much of his work is admired, photographed, and seen on London postcards.

Brief history

Sir Christopher Wren was born in Wiltshire on 20^th October 1632, later moving away from his hometown to pursue his education at Westminster School and then Oxford University. He grew up with such a talent for physics and mathematics that he became a physics professor at the age of 25! Naturally, this led to his interest in architecture at 32 years old, as it involves art, physics, and mathematics all in one. Wren was heavily influenced by French and Italian baroque-style architecture. His first pivotal projects were to redesign colleges at Oxford University, which led to his well-reception and strong reputation.

Following the destruction caused by the Great Fire of London in 1666, the city was to be rebuilt to its former glory. After such tragedy, Wren was inspired to put forward more of his designs, although a lot of his plans for London were rejected due to refusal from private landowners. Despite this bump in the road, he was commissioned to redesign and build a selection of royal establishments and 50+ churches throughout London. He was officially appointed by the government and was knighted in 1673. Today, Wren’s surviving buildings are protected, listed buildings that remain untouched.

St Paul’s Cathedral (1675)

You do not have to be religious to admire Wren’s magnificent churches. They are appreciated far and wide for the intricacy and craftsmanship that has gone into them. They are iconic London landmarks.

Arguably one of his greatest and most notable buildings is St Paul’s Cathedral, a listed building located right in the middle of London. The Archbishop of Canterbury directly requested Wren to create a timeless design for the cathedral, which has now been standing for over 300 years. It is defined by its English baroque style and domed roof that immediately stands out in London’s skyline. It is highly protected, with restrictions in place to prevent proposed buildings nearby from blocking any important views of St Paul’s.

Many prolific names have been laid to rest here, including Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Sir Christopher Wren’s final resting place in 1723 was St Paul’s Cathedral, which was accompanied by a plaque on the building that read, “If you seek his memorial, look around you”. You can still find this to this day. This was the perfect spot to lay Christopher Wren to rest as it embodied his dedication to brilliant architecture.

Old Royal Naval College (1675)

The Old Royal Naval College was originally built as an establishment to care for injured and retired sailors returning from the Battle of La Hogue. It was then converted to a Royal Naval College in the 19^th century to train royal naval officers. Its home is along the Greenwich riverside, with its main façade facing the Thames, welcoming monarchs, and important figures alike. Especially during a time when most people travelled into London by boat, the façade/face of a building needed to stand out to visitors. The building helped define Greenwich and the important Thames riverside. It is beautifully symmetrical and emulates the English baroque style of St Paul’s Cathedral, with key features being its chapel and restored painted hall, “Britain’s Sistine Chapel”. It is now owned by the University of Greenwich, with the chapel and painted hall being open to the public.

The Monument (1671)

The Monument landmark is located near Monument and Bank station. This is a piece of history built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and rebuilding of the city. Atop the 62m Doric column sits a viewing point, mostly visited by tourists up for a 311-step climb, along with a gilded urn of fire. Wren was asked to submit a design for the Monument to signify that amongst the fire and tragedy, London will continue to rise.

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