Christopher Wren

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Arts & Culture

Christopher Wren

English architect

Also known as: Sir Christopher Wren

Written by John Summerson

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 • Article History

Christopher Wren

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Category: Arts & Culture

In full:: Sir Christopher Wren

Born:: October 20, 1632, East Knoyle, Wiltshire, England

Died:: February 25, 1723, London (aged 90)

Founder:: Royal Society

Notable Works:: Greenwich Hospital; Drury Lane Theatre; Hampton Court; Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Movement / Style:: Baroque art and architecture; Stuart style

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Christopher Wren (born October 20, 1632, East Knoyle, Wiltshire, England—died February 25, 1723, London) designer, astronomer, geometrician, and the greatest English architect of his time. Wren designed 53 London churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as many secular buildings of note. He was a founder of the Royal Society (president 1680–82), and his scientific work was highly regarded by Isaac Newton and Blaise Pascal. He was knighted in 1673. Wren was the only surviving son of a rector, and from an early age he was delicate in health. Before Christopher was three, his father was appointed dean of Windsor, ...(100 of 2832 words)

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