ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL IN LONDON

WIENER, Jacques: England, 1849, Bronze, 59 mm
Obv: View of exterior of cathedral
Exergue: ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL LONDON
Rev: View of interior
Exergue: FOUNDED VII CENTURY. BURNT XI CENTURY. REBUILT IN STONE XII AND XIII CENTURY. AGAIN BURNT 1666. REBUILT IN ITS PRESENT STATE 1675-1710. ARCHIT. CHRIST. WREN.
Signed: J. WIENER F. / J. WIENER BRUSSELS
Ref: Van Hoydonck 49; Eidlitz 182/1075;  Reinecke 34 (var.); Ross M135; Weiss BW244

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. The earliest traces of occupation were Roman in the first century of the common era. Among its great architectural achievements and historical structures, including the Tower of London, Westminister Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, the major ecclesiastical monument of the City, St Paul's cathedral dominates the City. St. Paul's Cathedral has an ancient history, having been built, destroyed by fire, and rebuilt over many centuries. The present structure was rebuilt in 1675-1710 on the site of a Gothic cathedral which was destroyed in 1666 during the Great Fire of London. The new structure was built according to the baroque designs of Christopher Wren.
Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was a major figure in the architectural development in England and greatly influenced the architecture of America. Among his works were designs of the chapel of Brasenose College and the Ashmolean museum in Oxford. In London he erected Kensington Palace, Marlborough House, Temple Bar and many parish churches. After the great London fire of 1666, Wren was appointed surveyor-general and chief architect of the reconstruction of the devastated district, his most important work being the rebuilding of St. Paul's cathedral, the subject of this medal.

LINK to photo of St. Paul's Cathedral in London

LINK to apse and high altar

Engraving of St. Paul's cathedral by Canaletto

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