sir christopher wren

English - English

Definition of sir christopher wren in English English dictionary: an English architect who built many churches in London, including Saint Paul's Cathedral, and other buildings in the UK, such as the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford (1632-1723). born Oct. 20, 1632, East Knoyle, Wiltshire, Eng. died Feb. 25, 1723, London British architect, astronomer, and geometrician. He taught astronomy at Gresham College, London (1657-61) and Oxford (1661-73), and did not turn to architecture until 1662, when he was engaged to design the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford. Though Classical in form, the theatre was roofed with novel wood trusses that were the product of Wren's scholarly and empirical approach. As King's Surveyor of Works (1669-1718), he had a hand in the rebuilding of more than 50 churches destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Meanwhile, he was evolving designs for Saint Paul's Cathedral, a work that occupied him until its completion in 1710. Other works, generally in the English Baroque style, include the classical Trinity College library, Cambridge (1676-84), additions to Hampton Court (begun 1689), and Greenwich Hospital (begun 1696). Wren was buried in Saint Paul's; nearby is the famous inscription: "Reader, if you seek a monument, look around

sir christopher wren