Reflections May 2023
Wren’s harmonies
On the architectural legacy of Sir Christopher Wren.
To commemorate the three-hundredth anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death on March 8, 1723, I recently chaired a talk in St Mary Abchurch.
It’s one of the loveliest of his City churches, built in 1686 on the footprint of its predecessor, which had burned to the ground in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
“As well as being a great architect, Wren was a tremendous engineer and scientist, and brilliant with acoustics,” I said confidently.
At this, a distinguished-looking elderly lady in the audience put up her hand and said, “No, he wasn’t. I haven’t heard a word any of you have spoken for the last half hour.”
At the end of the talk, the vicar of the church confirmed this. “You have to talk...
A Message from the Editors
Support our crucial work and join us in strengthening the bonds of civilization.
Your donation sustains our efforts to inspire joyous rediscoveries.
