My bits of London (16)

St Paul's and its iconic dome dominate London. Its dome continues to be a large part of the London skyline, key views are protected in planning laws which means tall buildings can't block the view.

St Paul's

Uploaded by nat_mach on June 18, 2011 Taken in Cheapside, London © All rights reserve

There has been a cathedral dedicated to St Paul on the site since the first Century and the current Wren building dates from the seventeenth century.The cathedral that was destroyed by the Great Fire and pre-dated Wren's was actually the fourth on that site.

Mapping Catherdrals

Uploaded by nat_mach on June 18, 2011 Taken in Cheapside, London © All rights reserved

At 119m the cathedral was until the 1960's the tallest building in London, and is still in the top 50 list (and needs about 20 new skyscrapers to knock it off). You can, if you visit, and your legs are up to it, climb all the way to the top.

If you get a chance, a service in St Paul's is quite something. I am lucky enough to be invited to the Livery Companies United Guilds Service - and the majesty of the venue and the acoustics of the building make it a place of worship that is quite unique.

Inside the dome

Uploaded by nat_mach on August 1, 2011 Taken in Cheapside, London © All rights reserved