SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN (1632 - 1723)

Christopher Wren is most well known for his rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666. He designed in the Classical style and was the most important architect of his time.

The most important influence on Wren's work was Inigo Jones, who brought the idea of Classical Roman and Greek architecture to England. While Jones' work was strictly court-oriented, Wren brought this style into popularity. A visit to France was to be very important in the development of Wren's style. Seeing Versailles and Vaux-le-Vicomte, designed by the architect Le Vau was to have great influence. During this trip, Wren also met Bernini, Mansart and Le Brun. Because he was the court surveyor at the time, he was instrumental in the city-planning of London after the Great Fire including the design of over fifty (mostly Protestant) churches. Some of his more important works include Greenwich Hospital, the Royal Exchange, Custom House and Kensington Palace.

In 1668, Wren was commissioned to redesign St. Paul's Cathedral. (The previous St. Paul's designed by Inigo Jones burned in the Fire). After two rejected designs, the Cathedral was built. One of the most intriguing elements is the dome, a major design and construction innovation of three separate layers.

Like many architects of his time. Christopher Wren had no formal training. In fact, he was schooled formally in science and math which was to prove useful to his later career, particularly in problem-solving. It was this knowledge that enabled him to create the dome of St. Peter's. He also developed at age fifteen an instrument that would register changes in the weather, a precursor to the barometer.

Wren was a founding member and later president of the Royal Society. He also served as professor of astronomy at Gresham College in London and at Oxford. In 1672 Wren was knighted.