On a recent visit to London local architect Jane Faulkner was over awed by the presence of one key building, no not a contemporary building but St Paul's Cathedral. Despite its vast age now three and half centuries on (it was built in c 1685) its presence ever looms, made moreso during the festive period with its lighting amongst the festivities.
"I had been out for the evening with family to Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, an equal powerful experience. On our departure a glance out the window from the bar St Paul's was captivating across the Thames we couldn't not take a late evening walk after to it." Next to Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and offset against the 21st century Millennium bridge you walk this across the Thames with a sight line of St Pauls ahead of you. You can feel its raison d'etre across centuries, the then practice the pull for pilgrims across the land and from as far as Rome. Architect Christopher Wren was inspired by the dome design of St Peter’s Church basilica (you’ll know it’s by the equally famous Michelangelo) so planted a very similar dome here for St Pauls, yes albut a brand theme for religion I guess!. Indeed there is a mental link between this and St Paul's in religious terms and visually like an invisible silver line from Rome to London, & a landmark memory for the pilgrim. The streets around St Pauls are equally intriguing, street names such as Milk Yard, Gutter Lane and Honey Street you can feel the ancient mediaeval-ness of it! The Spanish Camino is on our bucket list, and this is definitely a walk from Rome to St Pauls also together with camera & travel log, I think it’ll be amazing”
*Jane is principal of Jane Faulkner Associates, Jersey (JfA) specialising in house architecture & the challenges of property in an ever changing property market in one of the most successful property markets globally. Jane also assists in a unique role between architect and community with her work
