St Paul's Cathedral
5th June 2023Library Viewing and Evensong
Past Master Chris Allen, a St Paul’s Wandsman and Guide, arranged for 20 of us to have a private viewing of the recently reopened St. Paul's Cathedral Library, with Simon Carter (Head of Collections St Paul’s) officiating. Situated at the Triforium level, the Cathedral library was completed in 1709, and kept in service up until 2018 when restoration began and continued for 4 years – floors, lighting, temperature control, restored woodworks all made good to store the valuable collection – including a 12th Century Manuscript that our Benevolent Fund helped fund the restoration of and which we had the pleasure to see! Chris guided us to the Dean’s Stairs (looked like they were floating!), the ‘BBC’ view, and other interesting spots before sending a few of us up the Dome’s 400 odd steps for a most rewarding panoramic view of London – thirst-quenching…and then joining Evensong and seated in the heart of the Quire for a lovely service with the evening's Choir from All Saints, Fulham.
A gem of a day exploring this Christopher Wren designed icon – with sincere thanks to PM Chris Allen.