Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723)

Christopher Wren studied mathematics and physics when he was at university. He was only twenty nine when he was made professor of Astronomy at Oxford. Wren started his career as an architect with the Sheldonian Theater in Oxford in 1662. He visited Paris in 1665, where he met the Italian sculptor Bernini, but Wren returned to a devastated London. The Great Fire of 1666 had destroyed much of the city. Wren was responsible for the rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral, as well as fifty two other London churches. After his great achievements in the city, he was knighted and was made President of the Royal Society in 1680.

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