Building St Paul's

Building St. Paul's tells the story of the cathedral's construction from the Great Fire to its final completion in 1708, focusing on the ordinary craftsmen, contractors, and overseers who shaped the materials. James Campbell's account reveals life on a seventeenth-century building site, the workers' responsibilities, and the struggles for money that threatened the enterprise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2020
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Building St. Paul's is a captivating tale that spans three centuries and delves into the construction of the iconic cathedral that has dominated London's skyline for centuries. While the name of Sir Christopher Wren is widely recognized, this book also sheds light on the ordinary craftsmen, contractors, overseers, quarrymen, stonemasons, and carpenters who played pivotal roles in shaping the materials. James Campbell, the author, embarked on a remarkable journey through the archives to uncover the stories of these individuals, providing a vivid portrayal of life on a seventeenth-century building site. He delves into the daily responsibilities of the workers, the varying wages they received, and the challenges they faced, including instances of poor pay and the threat of financial instability that once threatened to derail the entire enterprise.

Through his meticulous research, Campbell unveils St. Paul's not only as the masterpiece of a single individual but also as a remarkable collaborative achievement. He highlights the teamwork, skill, and dedication of these ordinary men and women who worked tirelessly to bring the cathedral to life. Their contributions, often overlooked in the annals of history, deserve to be celebrated and recognized for their enduring impact on the architectural and cultural landscape of London.

Building St. Paul's is a must-read for anyone interested in architecture, history, or the human stories that lie behind monumental structures. It offers a profound insight into the complexities and challenges of constructing such a grandiose edifice and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity and perseverance.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500295502