Of all the well-known contributors who impacted Oxford University and allowed to be what it is today, Sir Christopher Wren stands out above them all. I was thoroughly intrigued to learn more about him as the weeks passed by. Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was a British architect who attended Oxford, but dropped out within 3 years. He is known for designing famous buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral to name one. Prior to his work in architecture, he gained the role of becoming Surveyor General to King Charles II. One of his tasks was to help rebuild London. This led to the occurrence of the Great Fire of 1666, causing Wren to build 51 churches in the course of just 15 years. Wren served as major contribution to Oxford University as he created the sundial for All Souls chapel in 1659 and building the famous Sheldonian Theatre when requested by Warden of All souls, Gilbert Sheldon. Today, the Sheldonian Theatre has a U-shaped design and is able to seat approximately 2,000 people. It is the location graduates of Oxford University go to receive their degrees. The roof is highly admired by most visitors, who appreciate Wren's work on the wooden floors. Aside from the theatre, Wren also worked on Trinity College, St. John's College, Merton College, as well as the main entrance of St. Aldate's College. He also improved Divinity School, to which he replaced a window with a Gothic doorway leading to the Sheldonian Theatre. Above the door marks his initials.
Christopher Wren died in the year 1723 and was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, one of his own contributory works. For someone who paid respect to Oxford University by working to build it, it is awe-inspiring to see that he himself was also respected in return. Above his grave reads a rather interesting Latin saying: "Reader, if you seek a monument, look around you." I found this statement particularly interesting, because it emphasizes the many works he left behind before his own death. He influenced a nation of future educators and scholars, because without many of his contributions, Oxford University would be the same place it has been for hundreds of years.
