St. Paul's Cathedral - This cathedral is the most magnificent christian church in the world, after that of St. Peter’s, at Rome. The western front has a very noble and striking appearance, and is adorned with a superb portico, and grand pediment, and two stately turrets.—In the area before this front, is a statue of Queen Anne in white marble and elevated on a pedestal, round which are the emblematical figures of Britain, France, Ireland and America. The dome which rises from the centre of the building, has a most noble and majestic appearance. On the top of it, there is an elegant balcony, from whence rises a lantern, adorned with columns, and the whole is crowned with a large gilded ball and cross.
This vast structure is surrounded with a wall, upon which is fixed the most magnificent ballustrade of cast iron, that there is perhaps in the world. This enclosure has several beautiful iron gates, the materials of which, with the railing, weight upwards of 200 tons.
On entering the church by the west door, its magnificence appears to the greatest advantage. The vaulted roof which is supported by lofty and massy pillars, divides the building into the body and two ailes, and the view is terminated by the altar, which is at the extremity of the choir.
The first stone of this sumptuous and magnificent building, was laid June the 21st, 1675. The work was continued at the expence of the nation, amounting in the whole to near 750,000l and in 1701, the stupendous fabrick was compleated, under the inspection of that great architect Sir Christopher Wren.
For one shilling each person, every part of the church may be seen, even to the ball. At the north door, proper people are always in attendance for the purpose of shewing it. The view of London from the dome of this cathedral, affords a prospect that baffles all description.
A Table of the Dimensions of this Church [edited for clarity]
The whole length of the church and portico - 500ft
Breadth within the doors of the porticos - 250ft
Of the front with the turrets - 180ft
Of the church and 3 naves - 130ft
The exterior diameter of the dome - 145ft
The interior diameter of it - 100ft
Of the church and 3 naves - 130ft
The height from the ground to the top of the cross - 340ft
The height of the dome and lanthorn from the cornice of the front to the top of the turrets - 230ft
The height of the turrets - 222ft
To the top of the highest statues on the front - 135ft
Height of the lanthorn from the cupola to the ball - 50ft
Height of the ball - 8ft
Height of the cross, pedestal and base - 29ft
Height of the statues of the front with their pedestals - 15ft
Height of the niches in the front - 14ft
Height of the first windows in the front - 13ft
The extent of the ground plot on which the church of St. Paul’s stands, is two acres, 16 perches, 23 yards, and 1 foot.
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