Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lector, si monumentum requiris circumspice (Reader, if you seek his monument, look
around you)
.
Now review the ceiling: Behind is Wren simplicity and ahead is Victorian ornateness.
• The choir area blocks your way, but you can see the altar at the far end under a golden
canopy.
Choir and High Altar
English churches, unlike most in Europe, often have a central choir area (a.k.a. a “quire” or
“chancel”), where church officials and the singers sit. (You can see St. Paul's well-known
choir of 30 boys and 12 men in action, singing psalms, at the evensong service, held daily
except Monday.) St. Paul's—a cathedral since 604—is home to the local Anglican bishop,
who presides in the chair nearest the altar on the south, or right, side (the carved bishop's
hat hangs over the chair).
The ceiling above the choir is a riot of glass mosaics, representing God (above the al-
tar) and his creation. The mosaics are very Victorian. In fact, Queen Victoria complained
