Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723)

Though known primarily today as a great architect, Christopher Wren was also a mathematical prodigy and Savilian professor of astronomy at Oxford.  He was one of the founders of the Royal Society in 1660. After the great fire of London in 1666, he designed many new buildings, the greatest of which is St. Paul's Cathedral.  His other notable works of distinctive and original design include St. Stephen, Walbrook; St. Martin, Ludgate; St. Bride, Fleet Street; St. Mary-le-Bow; the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford; the elegant library of Trinity College, Cambridge; the garden facade of Hampton Court Palace; Chelsea Hospital; portions of Greenwich Hospital; and the buildings of the Temple, London. He exercised considerable influence on both English and European architecture. Wren was knighted in 1675, and is buried in the crypt of St. Paul's.  "If you seek his monument, look around you."