Our hero was fond of everything except politics. He rebuilt London, gave a number of valuable ideas to meteorologists, physicians and astronomers. Later, his name was used to advertise Masonic lodges.
It is difficult to find historical figures like our hero. His biography can be retold, listing the discoveries that were made by him. It is also curious that this brilliant man was absolutely indifferent to court intrigues. He served not kings, but his Fatherland.
Childhood
Christopher was born in October 1632. Among his relatives were representatives of the clergy. The father of the newborn was the abbot of Windsor Abbey, the uncle was a bishop. These people received high ranks thanks to their intellect. They hoped that their heir would not disgrace the glorious surname.
The baby was often sick, several of his brothers and sisters died after living for several years. Parents feared for the life of their son. Despite his poor health, the boy showed a keen interest in knowledge. Parents raised him, according to the canons of Christianity, but they did not zealous with the suggestion of dogmas, spoiled the child. Teachers were hired especially for him to visit the kid at home. Christopher became addicted to Latin and became interested in creativity - he painted beautifully. The father dreamed that his son would make a political career.
Youth
Parents chose a secular education for the guy. In 1650 he was sent to study at a college at Oxford. Here our hero got acquainted with the works of famous philosophers and astronomy. He decided to make the latter his specialization. Having received a master's degree in 1563, the young man remained in the educational institution as a teacher and astronomer. Christopher Wren contributed to the development of meteorology and optics by improving his telescope. He invited everyone to his lectures. The young scientist sent his views on the education system to the king, and they listened to him.
Christopher's affairs were much more complicated with his personal life. He fell in love with Faith Coghill, who lived next door. The relatives of the lovers decided that it was too early for them to start a family. The guy and the girl vowed to each other to remain faithful and wait for favorable times.
Curious
Sometimes our hero was distracted from work and in his spare time delved into the secrets of medicine. In 1665 he presented his works to colleagues, where he described experiments on the introduction of drugs into the blood of animals. Later, on the basis of his developments, infusion therapy appeared. The following year, the capital of his Fatherland suffered a misfortune - London burned out almost completely.
The scientist learned about this while abroad. He went to Paris to get acquainted with the local luminaries of science. There he met Jean-Lorenzo Bernini. The Italian architect came to the French capital with the same purpose as Ren. A visitor from the south infected a new friend with an interest in architecture. Christopher returned to Britain with the firm conviction that he would rebuild London. The romantic was so persistent that he was instructed to draw up a project for a new urban development.
Tragedies
The high position allowed Christopher Wren to independently decide on the choice of the bride. He found Faith and married her in 1669. The couple's firstborn died in infancy, and the second son not only lived a long life, but also continued his father's work, completing the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral. In 1675, the scientist's wife fell ill with smallpox and died.
For two years Christopher mourned his wife. In 1677 he became the husband of Jane Fitzwilliam. This beauty was the daughter of a baron, who probably did not approve of the girl's choice. The newlywed shunned the circle of friends of her faithful, did not appear with him in public. Alone they were happy, Jane became the mother of two children. In 1680 she contracted tuberculosis and died. Widowed a second time, Sir Wren no longer dared to marry.
Achievements
The ups and downs in the scientist's family did not interfere with the implementation of his projects to rebuild London. In 1675, the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral began on the site of the shrine destroyed by fire. The new building embodied the ideals of the Baroque. The author revised his sketch three times. The dome of the temple resembled St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This displeased many Englishmen, who saw the Catholics as their sworn enemies. Despite the attacks of fanatics, the authorities ordered Renu projects of palaces and public buildings.
In 1682, our hero realized the dream of his father - he was elected to Parliament. Chin allowed him to receive the title of baronet, but politics could not interest the living mind of the scientist. The only time he addressed his colleagues from the rostrum was associated with the need to allocate funds for the construction of a hospital. The idea was supported.
last years of life
With age, the great scientist became more and more interested in mysticism. He joined the Freemasons who later boasted of such a famous associate. The old man also thought about the future of his children. In 1713 he acquired the Roscoll estate. After 3 years, Christopher Wren moved there to live, having resigned from all the posts that he held.
There is a version that shortly before his death, our hero went to the building of St. Paul's Cathedral, which is under construction, to check if everything is in order, got caught in a downpour and caught a cold. Taking care of his brainchild more than health, the genius died. This is nothing more than a legend. The cathedral was officially opened in 1708, and its creator lived for another 5 years and left the world in 1723.
