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Contents
8 St Paul's Cathedral facts you must know
Top 8 St Paul's Cathedral facts
A bomb blast attempt in 1914
In 1914, suffragettes aimed to bomb St Paul's Cathedral, targeting the Bishop's throne with a powerful explosive device housed in a can of mustard. Thankfully, it was discovered before detonation, as it could have caused significant damage. Their violent methods, including arson, were controversial, though their cause for women's suffrage was just.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a sermon at the church
In 1964, St Paul's Cathedral hosted a historic sermon by Martin Luther King Jr., attended by over three thousand people. His address emphasized the intersection of race and faith, highlighting urgent racial issues in the UK. King's visit underscored the cathedral's role as a platform for progressive discourse, extending beyond religious boundaries to advocate for social justice.
You can spot architectural illusions
The Cathedral holds several architectural secrets crafted by Sir Christopher Wren to awe visitors. Optical illusions, such as progressively larger columns and decorations, create a grander appearance. Hidden staircases and passages, like those accessing the Whispering Gallery and library, are ingeniously integrated into the structure.
An ode to Nelson's peculiarities
St Paul's Cathedral boasts an intriguing detail in John Flaxman's statue of Admiral Nelson: a seasick lion. Carved in the 1870s, the statue honors Nelson's victories, with the lion symbolizing his struggle with seasickness. This whimsical addition adds depth to the sculpture, showcasing Flaxman's artistry and attention to detail.
The only sculpture that survived the Great Fire
The effigy of John Donne in the Dean's Aisle is a rare relic of the Great Fire of London of 1666, surviving the flames intact. Scorch marks at its base bear witness to the flames' fury. This enduring sculpture stands as a poignant symbol of resilience amidst adversity.
The cathedral had a personal fire brigade during WWI
During World War I and the Blitz, the St Paul's Watch, comprising over 300 volunteers, acted as the cathedral's fire brigade. Led by Mr. Walter Godfrey Allen and Dean Walter Matthews, they bravely defended St Paul's from incendiary bombs. Their heroic efforts during heavy bombing raids, like that of December 29, 1940, prevented significant damage to the cathedral, securing its survival.
Being buried here is the highest honor in London
Burial or funeral rites at St Paul's Cathedral represent one of the highest national honors in the UK. Notable figures interred here include Winston Churchill, whose state funeral in 1965 drew over 3,500 attendees. The cathedral's crypt also holds the remains of Florence Nightingale, Alexander Fleming, Sir Christopher Wren, and Admiral Lord Nelson.
The cathedral featured in many artworks and films
St Paul's Cathedral has been an inspiration to artists and filmmakers worldwide. It was displayed in the artworks by famous artists including Canaletto, Daubigny, Signac, and Derain. St Paul's Cathedral has also been featured in iconic movies such as the Harry Potter series, Sherlock Holmes, Thor, and many more, creating unforgettable magic on screen.
Some technical facts about St Paul's Cathedral
All about the church
All about the bells
- Cathedral length: 518 ft., 158 m
- Nave width: 121 ft., 37 m
- Width across transepts: 246 ft., 75 m
- Cathedral height: 365 ft., 111 m
- Outer dome height: 278 ft., 85 m
- Inner dome height: 225 ft., 69 m
- Outer dome diameter: 112 ft., 34 m
- Inner dome diameter: 102 ft., 31 m
- Dome weight: 65,000 tons
- Number of towers: 2
- Tower height: 221 ft., 67 m
- Bell 1: Weight - 421 kg; Note - F
- Bell 2: Weight - 466 kg; Note - E♭
- Bell 3: Weight - 501 kg; Note - D
- Bell 4: Weight - 594 kg; Note - C
- Bell 5: Weight - 673 kg; Note - B♭
- Bell 6: Weight - 692 kg; Note - A
- Bell 7: Weight - 834 kg; Note - G
- Bell 8: Weight - 1113 kg; Note - F
- Bell 9: Weight - 1394 kg; Note - E♭
- Bell 10: Weight - 1521 kg; Note - D
- Bell 11: Weight - 2210 kg; Note - C
- Bell 12: Weight - 3130 kg; Note - B♭
- Clock Bell 1: Weight - 639 kg; Note - A♭
- Clock Bell 2: Weight - 1256 kg; Note - E♭
- Clock Bell 3: Weight - 5205 kg; Note - A♭
- Bourdon Bell: Weight - 17002 kg; Note - E♭
- Communion Bell: Weight - 952 kg; Note - E♭
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Frequently Asked Questions about St Paul's Cathedral facts
How old is St Paul's Cathedral?
The church is approximately 314 years old. St Paul's Cathedral as we know it today was completed in 1710, but the site has hosted a place of worship since the year 604 AD. The current cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is the fourth iteration after previous structures were destroyed by fires and other events.
What happened to the Old St Paul's Cathedral?
After the Dissolution of Monasteries, the Old St Paul's Cathedral was in a state of decline. The spire collapsed in 1561 and the Great Fire of 1666 left the old cathedral nearly destroyed, after which it was proposed to reconstruct the building under Wren's supervision.
How many visitors does St Paul's Cathedral attract each year?
St Paul's Cathedral welcomes over two million visitors annually, making it one of London's most popular attractions. These visitors come from all over the world to marvel at its architectural beauty and historical significance.
How many people are buried at St Paul's Cathedral?
Over 200 memorials and burials are located inside St Paul's Cathedral, including those of prominent figures like Sir Christopher Wren, Florence Nightingale, and Admiral Lord Nelson.
