Berkshire History for Kids: Sir Christopher Wren (original) (raw)

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Windsor didn't trust his Plans

Sir Christopher Wren lived in the 17th century. He was the son of the Dean of Windsor who was in charge ofSt. George's Chapel there. He grew up in the town. He was a scientist in Oxford before becoming interested in architecture. King Charles II made him Surveyor of the King's Works. He was in charge of all building work done for the King. This included rebuilding the churches of London & St. Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London. There is an old story that Wren built himself a house in Windsor in the 1670s & lived there with his family. This is now the Christopher Wren Hotel. However, there is no evidence that he had anything to do with the place! In 1689, Wren took over the building of the Guildhall in Windsor. It has a big room above lots of columns. Wren said it only needed a column at each corner to hold it up. The townsfolk said it needed more or the room above would collapse on top of them! Wren eventually agreed to add the new columns. He knew he was right though. So he made sure they don't touch the ceiling and don't support the room above. It's lasted over 300 years & hasn't collapsed yet!