Live Moore: St Paul’s Cathedral
Karen B. Moore, APR, CPRC
CEO and Founder of Moore, Advocacy, Public Relations, Crisis Communications
This month 322 years ago (1697), St Paul’s Cathedral was consecrated in London. Dedicated to St Paul the Apostle, the present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great London fire in 1666. Have you heard the metaphor “rob Peter to pay Paul? Well, it originated as part of the estate of Saint Peter's Cathedral in Westminster was appropriated to pay for repairs to Saint Paul's in London. St Paul's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and has been the site of many historic occasions including Sir Winston Churchill's funeral, the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer; plus, the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations for both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of my favorite cathedrals in the world—it should be a bucket list for you to consider. Here are things to consider when you go:
- Buy your admission tickets online to avoid the long ticket lines.
- Attend one of the free guided tours of the Cathedral offered throughout the day. It will enhance your experience.
- It is worth the climb to its Dome. The first 257 steps are to the Whispering Gallery where the acoustics are so precise that a whisper against the wall can be heard 100 feet away. Then continue your climb with the next 119 steps to the Stone Gallery on the outside of the Dome, and then the final 152 steps to the Golden Gallery.
- You must see the crypt. I’m told it is the largest crypt of any cathedral in western Europe. With a vast array of tombs and memorials, take special notice of Admiral Lord Nelson's tomb. He was laid in a coffin made from the timber of a French ship he defeated in battle and placed in a black marble sarcophagus. Stunning!
- Time your visit to participate in the 5:00 PM choral evening song. It will be the highlight of your visit.
The dome of St. Peter’s cathedral is iconic. You will recognize it from every London landscape picture and painting. Take your photo early in the morning before all the crowds arrive.
Live Moore.
Karen
#LiveMooreMonday