St Paul's Cathedral: Archaeology and History

St Paul's Cathedral in London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, has undergone significant changes over the centuries. This book provides an archaeological perspective on the cathedral, exploring its history from the early 18th to the early 21st century, including construction, embellishments, and conservation projects. Recent archaeological recording, documentary research, and engineering assessments are used to illustrate the building's evolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Oxbow Books

St. Paul's Cathedral, a magnificent late 17th-century structure in London, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. Built between 1675 and 1711 to the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, this iconic building has been hailed as an architectural masterpiece countless times. In this comprehensive new account, John Schofield delves into the cathedral's archaeology, exploring its rich history from the early 18th to the early 21st century. The story is brought to life through recent archaeological recordings, documentary research, and engineering assessments.

A detailed account of the cathedral's construction is presented, drawing upon a comparison of the fabric with voluminous building accounts that have survived. Evidence from recent archaeological investigations sheds light on the techniques and materials used during the building's construction. The construction of the Wren building and its subsequent embellishments are followed by the main works of later surveyors such as Robert Mylne and Francis Penrose.

The 20th century brought about further changes and conservation projects, including the restoration efforts after the cathedral was hit by two bombs during World War II, and the replacement of all its windows after they were blown out. In the 1990s and the early years of the present century, considerable refurbishment and cleaning efforts were undertaken, involving both archaeological and engineering works. Archaeological specialist reports and an engineering review of the building's stability and character provide valuable insights into its preservation and restoration.

St. Paul's Cathedral stands as a testament to human creativity and engineering prowess, and its archaeological exploration offers a deeper understanding of its rich history and significance. This captivating account provides a valuable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the architectural and cultural heritage of this iconic landmark.

Weight: 754g
Dimension: 216 x 274 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789258059