Discovering St. Paul's Cathedral: Top 11 Unbelievable Fun Facts You Never Knew!

1. Batman's Whispering Gallery

Did you hear that, mate? Batman and Robin might just want to reconsider their Batcave: St. Paul's Cathedral has a Whispering Gallery that's 30 meters above the ground, where you can whisper sweet nothings into the walls and have them travel to the other side for an unsuspecting listener to hear!
Source => london-tickets.co.uk

2. Wren's Cubic Curve Equations

When Sir Christopher Wren wasn't busy solving cubic equations like some sort of 17th century Sherlock Holmes or trying to beat his high score in sudoku: he ingeniously employed those cubic curve equations to craft the bewitching shape of St Paul's Cathedral's middle dome, hidden between the outer and inner domes for added support, showcasing the sheer genius of using mathematics in architectural design.
Source => plus.maths.org

Did you know that six ravens, known as guardians of the Tower of London, are believed to protect it from harm with their own residence on the South Lawn? Discover the legend behind these intelligent and territorial birds and why only the Ravenmaster is allowed to approach them closely! 🏰🦅

=> Fun Facts about The-Tower-Of-London

3. Celebrity Resting Place

If you're dying to be someone important, St. Paul's Cathedral is the place to be laid to rest: this iconic London landmark is not only the final resting place of its architect Sir Christopher Wren, but also home to the mortal remains of John Donne, Florence Nightingale, William Blake, and Sir Alexander Fleming, among other notable historical figures who have been honored with a burial, memorial, or funeral service within its hallowed walls.
Source => londonpass.com

4. Ancient Acoustic Espionage

Imagine eavesdropping on secrets from afar just by skimming the walls – St. Paul's Cathedral is essentially the 17th-century version of modern spy gadgets! Here's the inside scoop: the Whispering Gallery makes it possible for hushed whispers to travel along its curved walls, allowing you to hear them clearly from the opposite side. This fascinating acoustic phenomenon, first observed by Lord Rayleigh in 1878, results from whispering-gallery waves that cling to the surfaces as they circle around. Talk about ancient architectural espionage techniques!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Wren's Hidden Supports

If Sir Christopher Wren built it, they will come – to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of St Paul's Cathedral: Wren's dome masterpiece is supported by a colossal brick cone and slanted columns that transfer the weight of the 70ft lantern, weighing a whopping 850 tons, all while keeping the supports hidden and maintaining a photogenic pose for the London skyline.
Source => theguardian.com

6. No King's Speech Cameo

When not busy charting Lionel Logue's course through the land of mispronounced "r's" and gumptious speech therapy, the makers of "The King's Speech" went on an architectural treasure hunt across England: From Leeds' Elland Road Football Stadium to the shores of Battersea Power Station, they raided England's architectural gems, but lo and behold, St. Paul's Cathedral was left unscathed, never serving as a backdrop for Colin Firth's stuttering.
Source => movie-locations.com

7. Charles and Diana's Wedding

Before the days of streaming Royals through Netflix, there was the real-life TV spectacle that had everyone glued to their screens: St. Paul's Cathedral hosted the enchanting, primetime union of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The serious reveal: An audience of over 750 million worldwide tuned in to witness this grand event, which featured an illustrious guest list, ceremonial traditions, and all the regal trimmings you'd expect from a royal Church of England wedding ceremony.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. The St. Paul's Watch Heroes

Who needs Avengers when you've got the St Paul's Watch: a fearless group of volunteers who defended St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz, battling around 28 bombs in one treacherous night and extinguishing fires to prevent major damage. With an army bomb disposal squad and a naval mine expert in tow, these unsung heroes made sure the iconic cathedral stood tall amidst the chaos.
Source => historicengland.org.uk

9. Edward Pearce's Fabulous Touch

Picture Edward Pearce as the haute couture fashion designer of the 17th century, adding a dash of his "je ne sais quoi" flair to St. Paul's Cathedral: The final result, after multiple touch-ups from 1675 to the 1680s, featured a fusion of Pearce's stylish relief ornament on the upper aisle walls and Wren's architectural brilliance, culminating in a truly fabulous spiritual abode wrapped with magnificent screen walls added post James II's accession in 1685.
Source => stpauls.co.uk

10. Heavenly Choir Performances

Who needs a concert hall when you've got a divine venue: The Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral has been serenading the heavens and earth with their angelic voices for over 900 years, featuring an ensemble of adult male crooners and cherubic choristers as young as seven, performing at services, concerts, and even boasting a celestial discography.
Source => re-thinkingthefuture.com

11. Tower to Dome Transformation

Once upon a square tower, Christopher Wren danced to the beat of his own drum, and created an architectural symphony with a dome that wowed the masses: St. Paul's Cathedral, initially designed with a buttoned-up square tower, eventually rocked the churchmen's world by embracing a large, controversial dome, taking a staggering 33 years and five monarchs to reach its crescendo, complete with a grand encore—the west main entrance and towers.
Source => thehistoryoflondon.co.uk