As part of Wren 300 the Architects and Surveyors Livery
Companies in collaboration with M&G Real Estate, the
Constructors, Paviors and Wax Chandlers Livery Companies,
have organised a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate
the life and work of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723); Britain’s greatest architect.

St Paul’s Cathedral in London is his masterpiece of design. It took 35 years to build. He was Surveyor-General to six English
monarchs. His most famous buildings are at the centre of
national life and ceremonials. They include Royal palaces, the
Royal Hospital, Chelsea and 52 churches built after the Great
Fire of London in 1666.

Joins us following the service for lunch at:

Plaisterers Hall, One
London Wall, London,
EC2Y 5JU
June 27, 2023
From 12:15
Contact info@surveyorslivery.org.uk for pricing and further info

This will be a service that Sir Christopher Wren would have recognised. The traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer and the King James Bible will be enhanced by evocative music from the time of Wren, sung by the Choir of St Michael’s.

Organ music will be played on the historic organ, many of whose pipes would have been heard by Sir Christopher. There will be a short address by The Reverend Henry Eatock-Taylor.

Join The Revd. Steven Brookes, Chaplain of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Deputy Priest in Ordinary to His Majesty The King, and the Royal Hospital Chelsea congregation in the magnificent surroundings of the Wren Chapel for this special service to commemorate one of the Nation’s greatest architects.

A titan of English architecture, Sir Christopher Wren designed the Royal Hospital Chelsea as a purpose-built home for Army veterans, with doors opening to the first residents – fondly known as the Chelsea Pensioners – in 1692. Wren’s original design, perfectly preserved today, accommodated 412 veterans and their officers around Figure Court (now the central quadrangle). Wren later added two further buildings – Light Horse and College Court.

300 years after Wren’s death, the Royal Hospital remains one of the country’s most loved and valued working historic buildings and continues to fulfil the same purpose for which it was founded. Built between 1681-7, the Chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a rare example of Sir Christopher Wren’s pure ecclesiastical work.

The music at this service of Choral Matins will particularly feature the works of celebrated English Restoration composer Henry Purcell (1659-1695) and will be sung by the Royal Hospital’s critically acclaimed Chapel Choir, directed by Organist and Director of Music William Vann and accompanied by Organ Scholar Charles Maxtone-Smith.

Entry and exit to the site is via Chapel Gate on Royal Hospital Road.

Join us for a special service of Evensong to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher’s Wren death on this day in 1723.

The service features specially selected readings, prayers and music, including pieces composed by John Blow (1649-1708), who served at St Paul’s as Master of the Choristers when the Cathedral was being built, and by Michael Wise (c1648-1687) who was both Almoner and Master of the Choristers at St Paul’s.

What can I expect?

This service is led by the choir, who sing responses, canticles, an anthem, and the psalms set for the day on our behalf, allowing us to experience the beauty of the music in this iconic setting. There are some readings from the Bible, and prayers are said for the Church, the World and ourselves.

You do not have to be familiar with the service – when you enter, you can pick up an easy-to-follow order of service, which will guide you through each part.

Visit our guidance on attending services at St Paul’s for more information on what to expect: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/attending-st-pauls-service

Free to attend and unticketed.

St Mary’s, East Knoyle, will offer a special service to celebrate Wren’s life and his birth in the parish, followed by a reception and lunch followed by a talk on Wren.

All weekend there will be an opportunity to see the work sculpted by John Maine RA to commemorate Sir Christopher’s life and work.

A special Evensong at St Mary Abchurch in to celebrate the life of Christopher Wren and to give thanks for the City Churches.

A Special Evensong at St Mary Aldermary to commemorate the life of Christopher Wren officiated by The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Lord Bishop of London.