- 1. Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723) was an eminent English architect, astronomer, and physicist, best known for his role in rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666. A figure of the English Baroque style, Wren displayed a remarkable blend of classical influences with innovative design and engineering techniques. Educated at Oxford, where he initially pursued studies in astronomy and mathematics, Wren's architectural journey was inspired by a wide array of classical antiquity, combined with his own scientific ingenuity. His most famous work, St. Paul's Cathedral, stands as a testament to his vision and creativity, featuring a magnificent dome that was an engineering marvel of its time, symbolizing the rebirth of London. In addition to St. Paul's, Wren designed over fifty city churches, including the notable ones of St. Mary-le-Bow and St. Bride's, showcasing his ability to adapt classical elements to meet the needs of a burgeoning urban landscape. Throughout his career, Wren also contributed to various scientific societies, and he was a member of the Royal Society, reflecting his multidisciplinary interests and expertise. His architectural legacy endures not only in the structures he designed but also in the profound impact he had on the development of English architecture, making him one of the most important figures in the history of the profession.
Where was Sir Christopher Wren born?
A) London, England
B) Florence, Italy
C) Paris, France
D) East Knoyle, Wiltshire
- 2. Which famous building did Sir Christopher Wren design in London?
A) Tower of London
B) Buckingham Palace
C) Westminster Abbey
D) St. Paul's Cathedral
- 3. In what year did Sir Christopher Wren pass away?
A) 1723
B) 1650
C) 1799
D) 1845
- 4. What was Sir Christopher Wren's profession?
A) Sculptor
B) Architect
C) Painter
D) Poet
- 5. Which English monarch knighted Sir Christopher Wren?
A) Henry VIII
B) George III
C) Charles II
D) Elizabeth I
- 6. Where did Sir Christopher Wren attend university?
A) Harvard University
B) Sorbonne University, Paris
C) Trinity College, Cambridge
D) Wadham College, Oxford
- 7. Which architectural style is Sir Christopher Wren most associated with?
A) Gothic
B) Renaissance
C) Baroque
D) Modernist
- 8. What honor was proposed for Wren after his death but was ultimately not realized?
A) A statue erected in Trafalgar Square
B) A national holiday in his honor
C) A commemorative coin issued by the Royal Mint
D) Burial in Westminster Abbey
- 9. Who succeeded Sir Christopher Wren as Surveyor of Works?
A) Inigo Jones
B) Robert Hooke
C) John Vanbrugh
D) Nicholas Hawksmoor
- 10. Wren's design for a new Saint Paul's Cathedral was influenced by which other architectural work?
A) Hagia Sophia
B) Cathedral of Notre Dame
C) Versailles Palace
D) St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
- 11. In what year was Sir Christopher Wren appointed Surveyor of Works to Charles II?
A) 1692
B) 1654
C) 1669
D) 1715
- 12. For which royal palace did Wren design a new riverside façade in 1698?
A) Windsor Castle
B) Kensington Palace
C) Buckingham Palace
D) Hampton Court Palace
- 13. Which scientific society did Sir Christopher Wren help found in the 17th century?
A) British Academy
B) Society for the Advancement of Science
C) Royal Society
D) Académie française
- 14. For which organization did Wren design the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford in the 1660s?
A) University of Oxford
B) Royal Shakespeare Company
C) British Library
D) Royal Academy of Arts
- 15. What was the cause of Sir Christopher Wren's death at the age of 90?
A) Stroke
B) Pneumonia
C) Fire-related injuries
D) Drowning
- 16. In which city did Sir Christopher Wren design St. Paul's Cathedral?
A) Berlin
B) Paris
C) Rome
D) London
- 17. What was the main material used in the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral?
A) Marble
B) Iron
C) Portland stone
D) Brick
- 18. During which war did Sir Christopher Wren serve as a military engineer?
A) American Revolutionary War
B) World War I
C) Napoleonic Wars
D) English Civil War
- 19. Sir Christopher Wren designed the Royal Hospital in which city?
A) Chelsea
B) Birmingham
C) Manchester
D) Edinburgh
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