My aim is to raise funds to write and publish a new book about 'the life and death of Old St Paul's Cathedral', London 1087-1666
Introduction Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am seeking funding to produce a book about "The life and death of Old St Paul’s Cathedral." Unlike a typical tourist guide, this book will explore the story of the building, from its inception to its demise, and how it was' lived in' and used over the centuries.
Who am I? My name is Nick Dunning, a retired architect with a lifelong interest in cathedrals. I originally discovered "Old St Paul’s" through Wenceslaus Hollar’s illustrations, and I’ve been fascinated ever since. The building often goes unnoticed, totally overshadowed by its later replacement.
Why Old St Paul’s Cathedral? "Old St Paul’s" stood from 1087 until the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was the largest, tallest, and longest building in the UK, and one of the biggest in Europe, making its absence today all the more striking. Its remains were used as fill for local roads and foundations after its destruction. (Gen 3:19)
Why is it unique? Despite its size and importance, few records exist showing the building over time. Fortunately, Hollar’s illustrations, created for Sir William Dugdale’s book in 1658, provide detailed insights into its architecture.
What will be my output? Within six months, I will complete the book and publish it via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Crowdfunders will have access to the first edition at cost price for one months, together with the ebook kindle version. After one month the second edition will be released and made available to all. Profit from the second edition will be donated in total to the Diocese of London. Amazon provide a 'print-on-demand' service making books available around the world.
How will you be informed of the book’s publication? All contributors will be notified when the book is published. If you would like your name on the Acknowledgement Page, I’ll be delighted to include it.
Progress so far I have organised my collection of notes and reference books, and I’m currently considering figures, drawings, and diagrams to include. Copyright clearance is a priority before publication.
Where is your money going? Funds will cover copyright issues, access to online reference sources for fact-checking, and Crowdfunding fees.
Here is a detailed outline of Old St Paul's Cathedral, highlighting its history, architecture, and key events:
1. Early History and Construction
- Original Structure (Pre-1087): The original cathedral was severely damaged by fire in 1087.
- Reconstruction: Bishop Maurice was authorized by King William I to use stone from the nearby demolished Palatine Tower for rebuilding.
- Inspiration: The design of the new cathedral was based on St-Etienne in Caen, Normandy, influencing other cathedrals like Canterbury, Lincoln, Winchester, and others.
2. Architectural Features and Challenges
- The Central Tower and Spire:
- Featured a central lantern tower with a spire. The spire was timber-framed, clad in boarding, and covered in lead.
- The spire, completed in 1311, proved unstable and was dismantled in 1314 and rebuilt.
- Flying Buttresses:
- Eight flying buttresses were added for support, similar to those at Gloucester and Salisbury.
3. Fires and Repairs
- 1136 Fire: Damaged the ongoing construction; funds were raised for repairs.
- 1462 Restoration: The spire was damaged by lightning and repaired.
- 1561 Lightning Strike: The spire caught fire again, resulting in severe damage. Although repairs were made to the roof, the spire was not rebuilt.
4. The Reformation and its Impact
- King Henry VIII's Break with Rome:
- Wealth and land of the church were transferred to the Crown, and much of St. Paul's treasures were seized.
- The cathedral suffered from neglect and looting; the Duke of Somerset took stones for his palace at The Strand.
- Mary I's Reign: The cathedral returned to Catholicism; many Protestants were executed in the churchyard.
5. Usage and Alterations in the Elizabethan Era
- Commercialization of the Cathedral:
- The cathedral’s churchyard became a hub for the London book trade, with stalls and shops lining the walls externally.
- The nave was a public meeting space where business, hiring of servants, and even legal meetings took place.
- Irreverence: The building became a busy, noisy public space, much like a shopping mall, with the nickname "Paul’s Walk."
6. Architectural Restoration by Inigo Jones (1620s-1640s)
- Royal Commission (1620): Inigo Jones appointed to oversee restoration.
- Italian Portico Addition: Jones added an Italian-style portico to the Gothic structure, which many found inconsistent with the original architecture.
- Renovation Funding: Funds were raised through appeals, primarily led by Bishop William Laud.
7. The Civil War and the Cathedral’s Decline
- 1642-1660: The cathedral suffered greatly during the Civil War and Commonwealth period:
- The nave was used as cavalry barracks.
- Lead roofing was melted down for bullets.
- Scaffolding intended for repair work was seized, resulting in parts of the building collapsing.
8. Christopher Wren and the Great Fire of 1666
- Restoration Plans: In 1664, Wren surveyed the cathedral, and his plans for a dome were approved in 1666.
- Great Fire (1666): The fire destroyed St. Paul’s completely. Lead from the roof melted, and books stored in the crypts fuelled the blaze for a week. The space had been rented by the book traders in the Courtyard.
9. Demolition and Final Clean-up (1667-1675)
- Post-Fire: Demolition was challenging due to molten lead encasing walls. Gunpowder and battering rams were used to dismantle the ruins.
- Completion: By 1675, the site was cleared, and Wren began constructing the new St. Paul's Cathedral that stands today.
This outline captures the major aspects of Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, from its construction and architectural changes to the historical events that led to its ultimate destruction and replacement.
I am sure you would like to know more. So please sponsor the production of this book, “The Life and death of Old St Paul’s Cathedral 1087-1666”
Thank you