Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was an English architect, astronomer, mathematician, and scientist. He is most famous for his role in rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666, particularly for his design of St Paul's Cathedral.
Born on October 20, 1632, in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, Wren was the son of a rector. He attended Wadham College, Oxford, where he studied science and mathematics. His early interests were in astronomy, physics, and anatomy, which led him to become a founding member of the Royal Society in 1660.
Although initially focused on science, Wren's career shifted towards architecture following the Great Fire of London in 1666:
Before his architectural fame, Wren made significant contributions to science:
Wren's architectural influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping English architecture for centuries. His epitaph in St Paul's Cathedral reads, "If you seek his monument, look around you" ("Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice").