Original description by George Birch in 1894
On the summit of Ludgate Hill, and at the Western extremity of Cannon Street and Cheapside, stands St. Paul's Cathedral. It is the third largest church in the world; is 500 feet long, and 118 feet high. The top of the cross is 400 feet above the pavement. It suffered from fire in 1083, and in 1137, and was almost destroyed in the Great Fire.
The present building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren; begun in 1675 and completed in 1710, the cost being principally defrayed by a tax on coal.
The church contains many objects of interest to the visitor, and although all cannot be mentioned here, one or two may be selected. In the Nave are the Wellington Monument and the Crimean Cavalry Monument. A winding staircase leads to the Whispering Gallery. The Crypt should also be visited, for it contains the remains of the Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson, and many others. Visitors are admitted daily, but 6d. is charged as fee to those wishing to view the more interesting sights.
Other observations
The upper half of the cathedral seems to have recently been cleaned.
Note the precise alignment of the head of the statue on the pediment with the window below the dome. This fixes very precisely both the camera height and position.
Geolocation
Subject at centre of picture: TQ 3196 8113
Camera position: TQ 3189 8112 approx. The exact alignment with the axis of the cathedral might be obtained from number 1, St Paul's Church Yard, the offices of law firm Stephenson Harwood. It has six floors.
Camera height: about the level of the top storey of the buildings to be seen on either side of the cathedral.
View angle: 75° approx.
Focal length (35mm equiv): 24mm approx.
Nearest similar geograph
Technical information
See here.