Improved History Essay Plans

Question 1

Question A: Reasons for location of the site

Answer 1

Intro:
St Paul’s Cathedral was constructed on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the city of London. This strategic location was chosen for it spiritual, symbolic and practical importance. Its positioning made it both a dominant religious centre and a civic landmark

Para 1:
STRATEGIC AND RELIGIOUS LOCATION:

• The site had already been used for religious worship dating back to the roman period( it was possibly a roman temple)
• Ludgate Hill provided a NATURAL ELEVATION, enhancing the cathedral’s visibility and prominence in the city
• Being at the centre of the Roman road network made it easily accessible for pilgrims, merchants, and worshippers.

Para 2:
CIVIC AND SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE

As the heart of the City of London, the site became the spiritual and administrative hub.

• Proximity to Guildhall and key institutions allowed the church to influence politics and law, especially in medieval and Tudor periods.
• Its dominance in the skyline represented both God’s authority and London’s civic identity.

Para 3:
Rebuilding after the Great Fire

After the 1666 fire, the same site was chosen for Wren’s new cathedral, symbolising continuity and resilience.

• The Rebuilding Act of 1667 emphasized safety and grandeur, reinforcing the cathedral’s key central position.
• The decision reflected both tradition and a forward-looking vision, keeping the cathedral at the heart of religious life in a rapidly modernising city.

Conclusion

St Paul’s Cathedral was built on Ludgate Hill due to a combination of strategic, spiritual, and symbolic reasons. The choice of site enabled it to dominate not only London’s skyline but also its religious and civic life across centuries.

Question 2

Essay Title: criteria b: when and why people first created the site

Why did people first start using the site of St Paul’s Cathedral?

Answer 2

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has origins stretching back to the early medieval period, built on a site used for worship since Roman times. The first cathedral was established in 604 AD under King Æthelberht and Bishop Mellitus. This essay explores why the site became a centre of Christian worship and urban life.

Paragraph 1 – Religious Motivation

• The site was chosen as part of the early Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England.
• Bishop Mellitus founded the first St Paul’s in 604 AD — this reflects the Roman influence and the desire to re-establish Christianity post-paganism.
• The site was associated with saints like St Erkenwald, whose shrine later became a pilgrimage destination.

Paragraph 2 – Urban and Strategic Setting

• Built at Ludgate Hill, highest point in the city, giving it spiritual and practical prominence.
• Location at the heart of London’s growing trade and administrative networks gave it civic importance.
• The walled churchyard (built in 1109) helped provide security, signifying its centrality in turbulent medieval times.

Paragraph 3 – Symbolism and Authority

• As the seat of the Bishop of London, it reinforced the role of the Church in governance and law.
• Symbol of divine authority and kingship: monarchs held ceremonies there (e.g. Henry VII’s marriage, 1501).
• Served as a visual and spiritual anchor for the city – a public space of faith, law, education, and community.

Conclusion

People first created and used the site of St Paul’s due to its religious significance, central location, and symbolic power. Over time, these foundations enabled it to become a defining feature of London’s physical and spiritual landscape.

Question 3

Essay Title: criteria c: the ways in which the site changed over time

Answer 3

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has changed significantly over its long history. These changes in its physical features were driven by factors such as fire, religious reform, architectural fashion, and national identity. From its medieval Gothic structure to Wren’s Baroque rebuild and modern additions, each phase tells a different part of England’s story.

Paragraph 1 – Medieval Construction and Gothic Design

• The medieval cathedral, built between 1087 and 1314, featured Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
• Key features included the tall central spire, flying buttresses, and the Shrine of St Erkenwald.
• These reflected both the engineering capabilities and religious priorities of the period — height symbolised closeness to God, while the shrine showed the importance of pilgrimage and relics.

Paragraph 2 – Destruction and Loss During the Great Fire (1666)

• In 1666, the Great Fire of London caused the total destruction of Old St Paul’s.
• The intense heat melted the lead roof, exploded the stone walls, and destroyed important features like the spire, stained glass, and medieval tombs.
• The fire permanently erased the cathedral’s original structure and forced a complete redesign — a turning point in its physical appearance.

Paragraph 3 – Wren’s Rebuild and Modern Adaptations

• Christopher Wren’s new design (1675–1711) introduced English Baroque architecture, with a large dome, Portland stone exterior, and saucer vaults instead of Gothic arches.
• After WWII bomb damage, the American Memorial Chapel and new high altar were added, restoring parts of the interior and updating the space.
• In 2022, a new porch with step-free access was installed, showing how the building continues to adapt to modern expectations of accessibility and inclusivity.

Conclusion

The physical features of St Paul’s Cathedral have changed dramatically due to destruction, design, and social change. From Gothic spires to Baroque domes and accessible entrances, each phase of rebuilding has left its mark — making the cathedral both a historic monument and a living space.

Question 4

How has St Paul’s Cathedral been used throughout its history?: criteria D how the site has been used throughout history

Answer 4

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has always been a religious space, but its uses have shifted over time to reflect changing values, power structures, and national needs. From medieval pilgrimage to modern protest and commemoration, the site has remained central to both spiritual and civic life in London.

Paragraph 1 – Medieval and Early Modern Uses

• Pilgrimage site: The Shrine of St Erkenwald attracted pilgrims seeking healing, especially for eye diseases.
• The nave (Paul’s Walk) functioned as a marketplace, gossip centre, and legal space, where scribes wrote wills and Serjeants-at-Law “chose their pillar.”
• Paul’s Cross hosted royal declarations, sermons, and even public shaming (e.g. Jane Shore in 1483).

Paragraph 2 – Post-Fire Rebuilding

• After 1666, Wren’s design served Protestant worship, with an “auditory” focus — sermons became central, not ritual.
• Hosted major state occasions: funerals of Nelson (1806), Wellington (1852), Jubilee of Queen Victoria (1897).
• Continued to function as the city’s religious heart, but also a symbol of national strength and unity.

Paragraph 3 – Modern and Contemporary Uses

• In WWII, the cathedral became a symbol of national resistance — surviving the Blitz made it iconic.
• Later used for civil rights messages (e.g. MLK’s sermon in 1964), memorials (e.g. COVID-19 Book of Remembrance), and political protests (Occupy London 2011).
• Today: combination of worship, tourism, education, remembrance, and symbolic national identity.

Conclusion

St Paul’s has always adapted to the needs of its society. From medieval relics to modern memorials, its varied uses reflect England’s evolving religious, political, and cultural priorities.

Question 5

How diverse have the activities and people associated with St Paul’s Cathedral been throughout its history? Criteria e: diversity of people and activities associated with site

Answer 5

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has never been just a place of worship. Across the centuries, it has hosted a wide variety of people and activities — from monarchs to market traders, pilgrims to protesters. This essay explores the cathedral’s rich diversity as a space of faith, power, trade, and public life.

Paragraph 1 – Medieval and Religious Diversity

• Pilgrims flocked to the Shrine of St Erkenwald for healing — even lawyers paid tribute before taking office.
• Relic-holders and craftsmen supported the shrine economy (e.g. goldsmiths, scribes licensed to write wills).
• Activities ranged from religious worship to informal trade — souvenir sellers, scribes, and stationers in the nave.

Paragraph 2 – Wren’s Cathedral and National Events

• Wren’s cathedral served royalty, clergy, and citizens alike — hosting royal events, funerals, and civic ceremonies.
• Military, artistic, and political figures are commemorated in monuments: Nelson, Wellington, Samuel Johnson, William Blake.
• Post-WWII: chapel dedicated to American war dead, reflecting international as well as national roles.

Paragraph 3 – Modern Diversity: Protest, Commemoration, Tourism

• Diverse users today: worshippers, tourists, campaigners, even tech engineers for online services.
• Site of civil rights speech by Martin Luther King (1964); protests like Occupy London (2011) show continued political role.
• The COVID-19 remembrance project shows how St Paul’s continues to adapt to modern human needs.

Conclusion

St Paul’s Cathedral has always reflected the diversity of London itself — a crossroads of religion, politics, culture, and protest, shaped by a wide range of people and their purposes.

Question 6

Essay Title: criteria f: the reasons for changes to the site and how it was used

Explain the reasons why the uses of St Paul’s Cathedral and its physical features have changed over time.

Answer 6

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has seen major changes in both its physical structure and how it was used. These changes were not random — they were the result of wider events in England’s history, especially religious reform, political upheaval, and national crises. This essay will explore how these factors reshaped the cathedral’s role and appearance.

Paragraph 1 – Religious Change: Reformation and Protestantism

• The Reformation (1530s–1540s) led to the destruction of the Shrine of St Erkenwald, relics, and Catholic decoration.
• Under Edward VI, icons were removed, and under Mary I, heretics were tried at the cathedral.
• These changes show how shifts in state religion under Tudor monarchs directly altered both how the cathedral looked and how it was used — from pilgrimage and relic veneration to Protestant preaching.

Paragraph 2 – Political Upheaval: Civil War and Puritan Rule

• In the 1640s–1650s, Puritan control led to the closure of the cathedral for worship.
• It was turned into stables, barracks, and even a prison. The organ was destroyed, and the statues above the portico were removed as symbols of monarchy.
• These changes came from radical anti-Anglican ideology, showing how politics can disrupt religious use and strip away symbolic features.

Paragraph 3 – National Identity and Commemoration in the Modern Era

• After the Great Fire, Wren rebuilt the cathedral with a focus on Protestant unity and royal restoration — the dome and open interior reflected this new ideology.
• In the 20th century, the cathedral became a site of national memory: e.g. WWII bomb damage led to the creation of the American Memorial Chapel.
• More recently, accessibility changes like the 2022 step-free porch reflect modern social values around inclusion.

Conclusion

The uses and appearance of St Paul’s have changed because of powerful forces like religious reform, political conflict, and national trauma. These shifts transformed not only what the building looked like but how people interacted with it — from a medieval shrine to a national symbol.

Question 7

Choose a significant turning point in your site’s past. How far did this change the site, its people or its uses? Criteria G: significant times in the sites past: peak activity, major developments, turning points.

Answer 7

Introduction

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was a devastating event for St Paul’s Cathedral, destroying the medieval building and forcing a complete transformation. It deeply affected the physical structure of the site, how it was used, and the people connected to it. This turning point marked the end of Old St Paul’s and the beginning of a new national symbol.

Paragraph 1 – Impact on People

• Clergy and cathedral staff lost their place of worship, work, and community — 153 children had to evacuate St Paul’s School.
• The loss of the Shrine of St Erkenwald ended pilgrimage and disrupted the lives of those who depended on it economically (e.g. scribes, souvenir sellers).
• Londoners experienced the fire as a personal trauma — eye-witness William Taswell described watching the cathedral catch fire and John Evelyn wrote about the “stones of Paules” flying like grenades.

Paragraph 2 – Impact on the Site Itself

• The fire completely destroyed the medieval structure — the roof melted, the crypt exploded, tombs were exposed, and relics lost.
• Nothing of the original architecture survived apart from a few remains (e.g. statue of John Donne).
• It created a blank slate for Wren to design a new structure in a totally different architectural style.

Paragraph 3 – Impact on Use and Function

• The cathedral’s role shifted from medieval ritual and pilgrimage to national ceremony and preaching.
• Wren’s Protestant design focused on audibility and visibility, creating a space for royal funerals, thanksgiving services, and public worship.
• The fire transformed St Paul’s from a traditional religious centre into a symbol of national identity and unity.

Conclusion

The Great Fire of 1666 was a profound turning point for St Paul’s. It altered who used the site, how they used it, and what the site represented — changing it from a medieval church into a monument of national resilience.

Question 8

What do specific features in the physical remains at St Paul’s Cathedral reveal about the site’s significance? Criteria H: Significance of specific features in the physical remains at the site.

Answer 8

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral contains numerous physical features that help us understand its historical, religious, and national significance. From its grand dome to key monuments and chapels, the building itself tells the story of how the site has evolved in response to changing times and priorities.

Paragraph 1 – The Dome

• Wren’s dome, completed in the early 18th century, is one of the most iconic features in Britain — inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome but adapted to Protestant ideals.
• Its size (85m high) and structure (triple-domed, using inner brick cone and lead outer shell) make it a marvel of engineering.
• Symbolically, the dome represents heaven, vision, and national unity — and it became a wartime icon during the Blitz, surviving while London burned around it.

Paragraph 2 – The American Memorial Chapel

• Added after WWII in the eastern apse behind the high altar, it commemorates US soldiers who died while stationed in the UK.
• Features include a glass case with an illuminated book of names, wood carvings, and the use of light — reflecting post-war remembrance and global alliances.
• This feature links the cathedral to 20th-century global history, showing its ongoing significance beyond just Britain.

Paragraph 3 – The Statue of John Donne

• Located in the Dean’s Aisle, this is the only surviving complete monument from the pre-Fire cathedral.
• It shows Donne, poet and former Dean, in a funeral shroud — it miraculously survived the fire, scorched but intact.
• Its presence highlights continuity across the Fire and reflects St Paul’s role in the intellectual and spiritual life of the nation.

Conclusion

The physical remains at St Paul’s — from its dome to its monuments and chapels — are more than architectural features. They are symbols of resilience, memory, and national identity that help us understand the cathedral’s enduring importance in British history.

Question 9

Explain why St Paul’s Cathedral has been important locally and/or nationally. Criteria I: The importance of the whole site either locally or nationally as appropriate.

Answer 9

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral has held deep significance both within London and across the nation for centuries. Its religious, political, and symbolic roles have evolved over time, making it one of the most recognisable and meaningful sites in British history.

Paragraph 1 – Local Importance in the Medieval and Early Modern Period

• Served as London’s religious and social hub — centre for pilgrimage to St Erkenwald’s shrine, and a place for scribes, lawyers, and market traders in Paul’s Walk.
• Paul’s Cross was used for royal announcements, sermons, and public shaming, showing civic and legal importance.
• It shaped London life both spiritually and practically, and was located at Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City.

Paragraph 2 – National Importance After the Great Fire

• Rebuilt by Christopher Wren to become a national symbol of Anglicanism, monarchy, and unity.
• Hosted major national events: Nelson’s funeral (1806), Queen Victoria’s Jubilee (1897), and royal weddings, showing its ceremonial significance.
• Became a visual and symbolic centre of national pride, especially after surviving the Blitz during WWII.

Paragraph 3 – Modern Importance: Memory, Protest, and Identity

• American Memorial Chapel and remembrance services show ongoing importance in times of grief and commemoration.
• Used for modern issues: Martin Luther King’s sermon (1964), Occupy London (2011) — linking it to civil rights and social justice.
• Remains a key tourist attraction, active place of worship, and architectural landmark, connecting local London life with global attention.

Conclusion

St Paul’s Cathedral is more than a place of worship — it has shaped local London life and stood as a national symbol through fire, war, and reform. Its ability to adapt and inspire makes it one of the most important sites in British history.

Question 10

How typical is St Paul’s Cathedral when compared to other sites of the same type?

Criteria J: typicality of site when compared to other sites of the same type

Focus: Present-day comparison with other Anglican cathedrals

Answer 10

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral is an active Anglican cathedral, and in some ways it is similar to others across the country. However, its unique architecture, national role, and global visibility make it stand out from other cathedrals of the same type. This essay will explore how it is both typical and atypical today.

Paragraph 1 – Typical Religious Functions and Community Role

• St Paul’s holds daily services, Eucharist, and Anglican liturgy, just like cathedrals such as York Minster or Southwark.
• It serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, with a bishop, canons, choir, and chaplains.
• Offers educational visits, online services, and pastoral care — functions mirrored by other Anglican cathedrals.

In this sense, it is typical in its religious use and diocesan function.

Paragraph 2 – Atypical National and Ceremonial Importance

• Hosts state funerals (Wellington, Churchill), royal events (Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, Charles and Diana’s wedding), and national remembrance services.
• Described as the “parish church of the nation”, far beyond the local role of most other cathedrals.
• Site of major cultural and political moments: MLK’s sermon (1964), Occupy London protests (2011), COVID remembrance.

These ceremonial and symbolic uses make it highly atypical.

Paragraph 3 – Unique Architecture, Location, and Global Recognition

• Wren’s Baroque design and iconic dome set it apart from the Gothic style of most English cathedrals.
• Located in the heart of London’s financial district, not a regional centre.
• One of the most photographed landmarks in the UK, with millions of tourists each year.

Architecturally and culturally, it is extraordinary and globally recognised, unlike its peers.

Conclusion

St Paul’s is typical in its religious function, but far from typical in its national role, architectural identity, and global prominence. It remains one of the most distinctive and symbolically powerful cathedrals in Britain today.

Question 11

Choose one period in your site’s history. How far do the physical remains at St Paul’s reveal the attitudes and values of people at that time?

Criteria K: what the site reveals about everyday life, attitudes and values in a particular period.

Chosen Period: Medieval period (c.1100–1540)

Answer 11

Introduction

In the medieval period, St Paul’s Cathedral was at the heart of London’s religious and civic life. Though much of the medieval building was destroyed, surviving records and descriptions of its features — including shrines, architecture, and public spaces — reveal the

deep importance of faith, ritual, healing, and hierarchy in people’s everyday attitudes and values.

Paragraph 1 – Attitudes to Religion and the Supernatural

• The Shrine of St Erkenwald shows a belief in saintly intercession and miraculous healing — especially for eye diseases (linked to sapphires).
• Donations and offerings to the shrine reflect popular acts of devotion across all social classes.
• Religious pilgrimage was central to medieval life — the presence of other relics (e.g. arms of St Mellitus, St Oswald) further shows strong spiritual belief.

Paragraph 2 – Social Hierarchy and Urban Life

• Paul’s Walk (the nave) was used not only for worship but for socialising, gossip, writing wills, and professional meetings — a reflection of how sacred and secular life overlapped.
• The cathedral’s massive size and elaborate Gothic architecture reflected both religious piety and urban pride — a status symbol for the city.
• Processions for legal appointments (e.g. serjeants-at-law) reveal how the Church and the legal system were intertwined.

Paragraph 3 – Public Preaching and Political Messaging

• Paul’s Cross, the outdoor pulpit, was used to deliver sermons, announce royal decisions, and try heretics.
• This space shows how religion was used to reinforce political control, shape public opinion, and display punishment or obedience.
• Preaching in public also reflects a society where oral tradition and performance were essential tools for moral teaching.

Conclusion

The remains and records of medieval St Paul’s reveal a society shaped by faith, ritual, social order, and political control. Though the original building is gone, its uses and features give powerful insight into how medieval people lived, believed, and behaved.

Question 12

How do the physical remains at St Paul’s Cathedral prompt valid historical enquiries about the past?. Criteria L: How the physical remains may prompt questions about the past and how historians frame these as valid historical enquiries

Answer 12

The physical remains at St Paul’s don’t just tell us facts — they prompt historians to ask questions. Whether it’s about religious belief, architectural innovation, or the impact of national events, features like the dome, monuments, and chapels invite investigation. These enquiries help historians explore how and why the site changed and what it meant to different people.

Paragraph 1 – Prompting Questions About Belief and Identity

• The American Memorial Chapel raises questions like: Why is there a US war memorial in a British cathedral?
• This leads to enquiry into Anglo-American wartime alliances, post-war memory, and how national identity is expressed through sacred space.
• Historians explore not just what was built, but why it was chosen and how it reflects changing attitudes.

Paragraph 2 – Physical Changes Raising Questions About Continuity and Change

• The removal of shrines and Catholic imagery prompts questions such as: What impact did the Reformation have on the cathedral’s purpose?
• The shift from St Erkenwald’s shrine to a sermon-focused layout leads to enquiry about the religious priorities of the state and the population.
• Historians use this to examine wider political and theological shifts through physical transformation.

Paragraph 3 – Architectural Features and Enquiries Into Technological or Cultural Context

• Wren’s triple-layered dome invites questions like: How did architecture reflect Restoration values or ambitions?
• Comparing it to Gothic cathedrals raises broader enquiries: Why was Baroque chosen? What does this say about post-Fire London’s priorities?
• These questions frame the dome not just as a structure but a symbol of monarchy, stability, and modernity.

Conclusion

St Paul’s Cathedral prompts a wide range of valid historical enquiries — about faith, politics, identity, and change. Through interpreting its physical remains, historians construct meaningful investigations into the lives, beliefs, and priorities of past societies.

Question 13

How can the physical remains at St Paul’s Cathedral help us create artistic reconstructions of the site during the post-Great Fire rebuilding?

Criteria M: how the physical remains can inform artistic reconstructions and other interpretations of the site.

Chosen Period: Reconstruction after the Great Fire (c. 1670–1711)

Answer 13

Introduction

After the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed the medieval cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren was appointed to design and build a new St Paul’s. Today, the surviving physical features of Wren’s work allow historians and artists to reconstruct this period with considerable accuracy — not just in structure, but in meaning and intention.

Paragraph 1 – Physical Structure: Dome, Layout, Materials

• The dome, with its three structural layers (inner cone, brick dome, timber-framed outer shell), still survives and provides measurable detail for reconstructions.
• The use of Portland stone, semi-circular arches, and saucer domes in the nave all help replicate Wren’s vision.
• Remains also reveal his solutions to technical challenges — like the internal iron chain that stabilises the dome — useful in visual reconstructions.

Paragraph 2 – Decorative and Symbolic Features

• Surviving carvings, Grinling Gibbons’ choir stalls, and Jean Tijou’s wrought iron screens help reconstruct the rich Baroque interior Wren envisioned.
• The absence of medieval-style stained glass or shrines shows a deliberate break with the past, reflecting Protestant values — this can be emphasised visually.
• Artists can show how the open layout supported preaching, not pilgrimage — a key interpretive point.

Paragraph 3 – Unbuilt Designs and Interpretive Challenges

• Artists can use Wren’s surviving original plans and drawings to reconstruct versions of the cathedral that were proposed but never built (e.g. his Greek Cross plan).
• While physical remains are key, interpretation also involves filling in gaps (e.g. the now-lost original high altar, changed in later centuries).
• Reconstructions from this period must balance physical accuracy with informed artistic interpretation, guided by both remains and records.

Conclusion

The physical remains of Wren’s St Paul’s provide detailed evidence for artistic reconstruction of the rebuilding era. From the dome to the decorative features, the site offers a clear visual and symbolic picture of how faith, architecture, and national identity were reimagined after disaster.

Question 14

Essay Title:

How useful is St Paul’s Cathedral for helping us understand the past, and what are the challenges of studying it as a historic site? Criteria N: Challenges and Benefits of studying the historic environment.

Answer 14

Introduction

St Paul’s Cathedral offers historians a wealth of material — physical remains, written records, and ongoing usage. However, as with any historic environment, it presents both benefits and challenges. Some evidence is rich and visible; some has been lost, altered, or interpreted differently over time.

Paragraph 1 – Benefits: Rich Physical and Documentary Evidence

• Wren’s design survives in full, providing clear structural, artistic, and symbolic features to study (e.g. dome, nave, carving, layout).
• Documents like Wren’s plans and correspondence, 17th-century sermons, and Blitz-era photos support a deep understanding of intention and reception.
• The survival of some pre-Fire elements (e.g. statue of John Donne) allows for limited medieval comparison.

Paragraph 2 – Challenges: Loss of Earlier Structures and Interpretation Gaps

• The complete destruction of Old St Paul’s in 1666 limits physical access to its medieval past — we rely on descriptions, drawings, and excavations.
• Some features, like the Shrine of St Erkenwald or Paul’s Cross, are reconstructed only from indirect evidence.
• Later changes (e.g. Victorian restoration, post-WWII alterations) complicate understanding of the original design intentions.

Paragraph 3 – Interpretive and Contextual Challenges

• St Paul’s is often viewed through the lens of national symbolism, which can overshadow everyday uses or minority perspectives.
• Its continued religious and tourist use may lead to selective presentation — not all aspects of its past are highlighted equally (e.g. imperial monuments, contested memorials).
• Requires careful interpretation of physical remains alongside wider historical context to avoid misleading conclusions.

Conclusion

St Paul’s is an incredibly rich historic environment, offering insight into architecture, faith, politics, and national identity. But studying it also requires careful navigation of what’s missing, altered, or interpreted over time. Its value lies in both its grandeur and its complexity.