This was when he started inventing scientific instruments, and even Isaac Newton – English astronomer, physicist, mathematician and theologian regarded him as a leading geometer. He was one of England’s top scientists and had already started at Oxford University at the age of 14. In 1666, the 34-year-old Christopher Wren became an astronomy professor at Oxford. Other jobs that he was commissioned to do was to design a number of civic palaces as well as design several hospitals, one of which is the Royal Chelsea.Ĭhristopher Wren was knighted in November 1673 because of his amazing architectural works as well as the massive role he had in rebuilding the city of London after the Great Fire, a well-known fact about Christopher Wren. St Mary Le Bow is one of London’s oldest buildings, and even though it was burnt in the Great Fire, Wren rebuilt it, giving it a taller tower. The Monument is a commemoration of the Great Fire and is built on the spot where the fire started. Small wonder Wren was knighted for all his amazing work – new designs as well as restoration work. Paul’s Cathedral.Īlthough Christopher Wren was renowned as a brilliant English architect, his achievements in science and art cannot be overlooked either.ģ. He designed more than 50 new churches, and one of his most magnificent masterpiece-works was St. Wren was made ‘Surveyor of Royal Works’ and he worked in this capacity until 1718. The fire that started in a baker’s shop, also destroyed thousands of houses. When the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city in 1666, King Charles II selected Wren to work on the reconstruction of the burnt city. This entire tour inspired him so much it had a great influence on his future work as an architect. Not only did the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford bring Wren much recognition and admiration, he then went on a tour of France in 1665 to gather more information on Baroque architecture. Wren only turned to architecture at the age of 30, an interesting fact about Christopher Wren. He enjoyed life and enjoyed a drink with his friends who came from every walk of life.Ģ. They had three small children when Jane passed away in 1680.Ĭhristopher Wren lived to a ripe old age as it seems he lived a contented life. Faith passed away in 1675 of smallpox and in 1677 Wren married his second wife, Jane. Their second son also died before his 2 nd birthday. This son, born in October 1672 died in March 1674. Gilbert was the first child born to Christopher Wren and his wife Faith. Paul’s Cathedral.Ĭhristopher Wren Interesting Facts 1. Seeing the amazing workmanship of young Christopher Wren, Bishop Gilbert Sheldon consulted with him about restoring the run-down St. The building was inspired by the Theatre of Marcellus and would be used to host university ceremonies. We’re going to look at some fascinating aspects of this interesting young man who shot to fame as a brilliant architect with his design of the Sheldonian Theatre. At the young age of 25, Christopher Wren became the professor of astronomy. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1651, he also finished his M.A., focusing on physics, anatomy and astronomy. He went to the Westminster school and later to the Wadham College in Oxford. He was a ‘Jack of All Trades and Master of All’ as apart from being an architect and astronomer, he was also a designer and geometer. He was just into his teens when at age 13 he invented an astronomical instrument. Because the young Christopher also grew up among intellectuals, it seemed inevitable that he would develop an interest in mathematics, a subject that many students battle with. He was a sickly child and grew up with several sisters. He was born in 1632 on October 20, the son of a rector – Christopher Wren Snr and his wife Mary Cox. Only forty-six names are given in the List Of The Subscribers and Stephen Wren is known to have given away fifty copies of the book to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in 1751.The beautiful rural county of Wilshire, England is the birthplace of Christopher Wren. rafters and roof of the Sheldonian theatre X. portrait of Sir Christopher Wren VI, VII. (frontispiece) portrait of Christopher Wren, son of Sir Christopher II. basilica of Constantine) and temple of Mars Ultor at Rome. The biographies of Sir Christopher Wren and two earlier members of the Wren family are followed by four short tracts by Sir Christopher on the aesthetics and origins of architecture, and by notes on the temple of Diana at Ephesus and on the 'temple of peace' (i.e. Although the title-page and frontispiece are dated 1750, the book was possibly issued in January 1751 (see The General Advertiser, 15 January 1751 The Gentleman's Magazine, January 1751).
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