Year 11, undeterred by the present difficult working conditions, have returned to their history studies with interest. They have a determination to make good progress and build successfully on their hard work and efforts last term during lockdown. For the Historic Environment component of their British Depth Study the students are investigating the construction of one of London’s most iconic buildings: Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

This celebrated structure, Wren’s masterpiece, was intended when constructed to be the centre of a totally new and modern city, reflecting the power and popularity of the king, Charles II, and embodying England’s growing prosperity and commercial wealth. Unfortunately, financial and time constraints meant that much of the planned rebuilding of London never took place – and Charles II never lived to see the completion of Wren’s masterpiece.

Ms Victoria Harrington, Teacher of History