Christopher Wren was born on 20 October 1632 in East Knoyle, Wiltshire. Hos father was rector at the 13th century St Mary’s church and would have known the battlemented tower which dates from about 1450.
Wren's interest in architecture developed from his study of physics and engineering. In 1665 he visited Paris, where he loved the baroque styles. That year he also designed his first church, a new chapel for Pembroke College.
In 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the medieval city, including its churches. Wren produced ambitious plans for rebuilding the whole area but they were rejected. So, he turned his talent to rebuilding the city churches.
Wren rebuilt 52 churches in the City of London, including what is regarded as his masterpiece: St Paul’s Cathedral.
He died on 25 February 1723. His gravestone in St Paul's features a Latin inscription which translates as: 'If you seek his memorial, look about you.'
Below are just a few of Wren’s churches.
A walk around the city isn’t complete without a visit to a Wren church. Bill Bryson and Joanna Lumley, supporters of the National Churches Trust, have also chosen their favourite Wren churches.
