The Living City, 1970, part 9 - the buildings and monuments of Christopher Wren, London

The transcript discusses the history of a Roman city, its destruction by Boadicea and the Great Fire of 1666, and the subsequent commemorations. It highlights the reconstruction plans by Evelyn and Wren, focusing on Wren's significant role in rebuilding city churches, with 53 out of 87 destroyed churches being rebuilt by him. The narrative also covers the impact of bombing on these churches and their restoration. Wren's crowning achievement, St Paul's Cathedral, is emphasized, along with its post-war significance.

Who was responsible for the first destruction of the Roman city?

• Julius Caesar

• Queen Elizabeth I

• Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni

• William the Conqueror

What event in 1966 marked the tercentenary of the Great Fire?

• The opening of a new museum

• The unveiling of a new monument

• Concerts, exhibitions, and river pageants

• A royal parade

Whose reconstruction plans were initially rejected after the Great Fire?

• Inigo Jones

• Robert Hooke

• John Evelyn

• Christopher Wren

How many churches did Wren rebuild after the Great Fire?

• 27

• 87

• 100

• 53

What was Wren's crowning architectural achievement?

• The Tower of London

• St Paul's Cathedral

• Westminster Abbey

• The British Museum