Christopher Wren

Date of Birth: October 20, 1632

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 25, 1723

Biography

Sir Christopher Wren was a renowned English architect, scientist, and mathematician, best known for his work in the design and construction of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Born on October 20, 1632, in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, England, Wren showed early promise in both scientific and artistic fields. He was educated at Westminster School and later at Wadham College, Oxford, where he excelled in mathematics and experimental philosophy. Wren’s architectural career began to flourish after the Great Fire of London in 1666, which provided him with the opportunity to redesign many of the city’s churches and public buildings. His most famous work, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and remains one of London’s most iconic landmarks. In addition to his architectural achievements, Wren was also a founding member of the Royal Society, serving as its president from 1680 to 1682. He was knighted in 1673 for his contributions to architecture and science. Wren’s influence extended beyond his own lifetime, with his designs and ideas shaping the future of architecture in Britain and beyond. He passed away on February 25, 1723, and is buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, where his epitaph famously reads, “If you seek his monument, look around you.”

5 Interesting Facts about Christopher Wren

1. Christopher Wren was a child prodigy, publishing his first scientific paper at the age of 17.

2. He was a professor of astronomy at Gresham College, London, and later at Oxford University before turning to architecture.

3. Wren designed 52 churches in the City of London after the Great Fire, in addition to numerous other public buildings.

4. He was involved in the rebuilding of the Royal Exchange and the construction of the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

5. Wren’s scientific contributions include advancements in the fields of astronomy and physics, and he was a key figure in the early Royal Society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Christopher Wren

1. “Architecture aims at Eternity.”

2. “A time will come when men will stretch out their eyes. They should see planets like our Earth.”

3. “In things of this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.”

4. “True architecture springs from the heart.”

5. “There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the books, the libraries.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Though exact figures are not available, Christopher Wren’s net worth in today’s terms could be estimated in the millions, considering his extensive body of work and the lasting impact of his architectural designs.

Children

Christopher Wren had two children with his first wife, Faith Coghill: Gilbert Wren and Christopher Wren Jr. He also had two children with his second wife, Jane Fitzwilliam: Jane Wren and William Wren.