Much like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London has been the location of many historical events throughout the centuries. From funerals to royal weddings, it’s a historical site as well as a religious building and isn’t to be missed while visiting London!
History
The land where St. Paul’s is located has been a religious site since the early 7th century. The building went through many iterations as it was destroyed by fire and Viking invaders. The medieval church was the site of Katherine of Aragon’s marriage to Prince Arthur (Henry VIII’s older brother who died shortly thereafter). With King Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church, St. Paul’s became an important part of the Church of England.
In the Great London Fire of 1666, St. Paul’s was destroyed. With the open fields surrounding it, it was thought to be safe, but an errant piece of burning wood flew on the wind and landed on the roof, causing catastrophic damage and leaving the church a ruined shell. In 1668, Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to design the new St. Paul’s, leading to the current building which was officially completed in 1711.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the cathedral was the site of many royal celebrations from King George III’s Golden Jubilee to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It was also the location of many state funerals like the Duke of Wellington.
With its towering dome overlooking the City of London, St. Paul’s was a target of the German Luftwaffe in WWII. During the Blitz, London was bombed over 57 consecutive nights with most of the bombs falling in the eastern end of the city. The cathedral was damaged many times during the Blitz but it remained standing, a symbol of Londoners’ courage under fire. You can still view some damage from WWII in the church today.
Two decades after the end of the war, the cathedral was the site of the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. It was also the location of a happier time, the highly anticipated royal wedding between Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. Who can forget seeing her walk up St. Paul’s famous steps with her long train trailing behind her?
Today St. Paul’s is the fourth largest church in Europe and is a historic building that must be visited while in London!
Visit
St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the City of London and is easy to reach via the Tube, walking, or even a boat taxi! It makes a great pairing with a visit to the Tower of London or the Tate Modern. The view of the Dome as you walk from the Embankment is breath-taking!
Be sure to buy your timed-entry tickets to visit online; your ticket will include an audio guide and dome climb. You can also choose to take the Triforium tour to see behind-the-scenes spots like the iconic geometric staircase and library (read this blog post about this amazing tour!). Before your visit, be sure to download Rick Steves’ walking tour.
Walk up the iconic outside steps and give a wave like Diana before she entered and became a princess.
You’ll begin the tour at the back of the nave where you can see all the way down to the altar, 515 feet away!
Don’t miss the memorial to the men and women of the watch who protected the church during the Blitz just inside the main door. Nearby is a stone still covered in soot from the WWII bombings.
Everything about this cathedral is grand including its height. Walk down the nave and stand under the dome, 365 feet tall. It is truly remarkable!
The choir is beautiful and full of Victorian and 20th century restoration (the high altar was demolished in the Blitz so this is its replacement).
The solemn American Memorial Chapel is behind the main altar and it honors the Americans who sacrificed their lives to save Europe from the Nazis.
A modern sculpture is also found behind the altar. This Mother and Child statue symbolizing Mary and Baby Jesus was inspired by British mothers sheltering with their babies in WWII bomb shelters. It is calming and especially poignant here.
Continue around the altar for more up close views of its intricate details.
Don’t miss the Nelson and Cornwallis monument. I found the inclusion of Cornwallis especially funny as an American who only knows him as the general who lost the American Revolution.
From here you can enter the dome climb if your legs can handle 528 steps!
I recommend heading downstairs to the crypt, which is where you’ll find the tomb of Horatio Nelson who died while defeating Napoleon on the high seas.
I was also interested to see Florence Nightingale and the Duke of Wellington’s tombs.
As you leave, you’ll see the simple tomb of the cathedral’s builder, Sir Christopher Wren.
Don’t miss the gift shop and restrooms here before you head back out into the City of London!
Step across the street for a great view of the impressive facade.
Also kids will be interested in the nearby National Firefighters Memorial.
St. Paul’s Cathedral allows you to walk in the footsteps of kings, princesses, and statesmen and is an awe-inspiring sight to see while in London!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: £25/adults; £10/children; £60/family ticket; visit free during a worship service
- Recommended: all ages
- Tour time: 45 minutes
- Gift shop located onsite and online
- Transportation: The cathedral is located at the St. Paul’s Tube stop on the Central (red) line along with several bus lines. It’s also an easy walk from the river and Tower area.
- Dining options: St. Paul’s is located in the heart of the City of London with many nearby cafes, restaurants, and markets. Kids will love the nearby Pizza Express and the pastries and sandwiches at Paul’s. Our family also loves Cote Brasserie which has a location here.
- Nearby hotels: Read my London guide for my recommendations. The nearest hotel is Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s.
- Nearby attractions include: Temple Bar Gate, London Mithraeum, Monument to the Great Fire of London, St. Bride’s Church-Fleet Street, Guildhall, and the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (both across the river)
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can visit my Bookshop.org London book list to support independent bookstores and creators. You can also visit the cathedral’s shop to purchase books.
Adult/Young Adult:
- The Phoenix: St. Paul’s Cathedral And The Men Who Made Modern London
- In The Shadow of St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Churchyard that Shaped London
- A Short History of London
- The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
- London: The Novel
- Murder at St. Paul’s Cathedral: a 1920s cozy historical mystery (A Ginger Gold Mystery Book 24)
Middle Grade:
Picture Books:
I love St Pauls, but I’ve never made it inside! I do go for a wander in that area whenever I’m in London so I must make time. Such a comforting and magnificent London Landmark.
Yes, go in the next time you’re there. It’s breath-taking!