St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral is a London landmark and
a British icon. A cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked
the City of London since 604 A.D. In 2004, the Diocese of London
celebrated its 1,400th anniversary. The current cathedral, the
fourth to occupy the Ludgate Hill site, was designed by court
architect Sir Christopher Wren. It was built between 1675 and
1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of
London in 1666. St Paul's is built of Portland stone in a late
Renaissance to baroque style. Its impressive dome, inspired by
St Peter's Basilica in Rome, is the third largest in the world.
It rises 108 metres (365 feet) to the cross at its summit.
People and events of the utmost importance to the country have
been celebrated, mourned and commemorated at St Paul's since the
first service took place in 1697. Significant events and
services in St Paul's 20th century history include: 1901: A
memorial service for Queen Victoria, held at the same time as
her burial took place at