Sir Christopher Wren Building
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Sir Christopher Wren Building | |
| City/locality- State/province |
Williamsburg, Virginia |
| State/province: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| Year built: | 1695-1700 |
| Primary Style: | Colonial Revival |
| Additions: | In 1732 construction of the Chapel, or south wing, was finished. |
| Major Alterations: | Significant Alterations |
| Historic Function: | College/university |
| Historic Function: | Hospital, Capitol |
| Other Historic Function: | Hospital, Capitol |
| Current Function: | College/university |
| Architect or source of design: | Tradition has it that the building was designed by the famed English architect Sir Christopher Wren. |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Brick |
| First Owner: | College of William and Mary |
| Notes: | Thomas Jefferson |
(37.27082195686569° N, 76.70901238915576° W)
Generally referred to simply as the Wren Building or College Building, The Sir Christopher Wren Building at the College of William and Mary in Virginia is the oldest college building in the United States still in use. It was constructed between 1695 and 1700, before Williamsburg was founded, when the capital of the colony of Virginia was still located at Jamestown. Tradition has it that the building was designed by the famed English architect Sir Christopher Wren who designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London.[1]
History
The Wren Building has been gutted by fire three times: in 1705, 1859 and 1862. Each time the interior of the building was reconstructed inside the original walls, and for more than three centuries, it has been "the soul of the College." The Wren Building is joined in the Wren Yard by the Brafferton and the President's House. Together the three oldest buildings at the College of William and Mary form the Historic Campus. In the building, generations of William and Mary students have attended classes and lectures, enjoyed meals and attended chapel services. Classes are still held in the Wren Building, which also is home to the offices of the faculty of the department of religious studies. The northern wing holds the Great Hall and the southern wing holds the Chapel. Both rooms are often open to the public and are still used for various functions.[2]
Memories and stories
Photo Gallery
Related Links
- Wren Building, SCRC Wiki, Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
- William and Mary - History of the Wren Building
- William and Mary - Historic Campus
- William and Mary - Photos of the Wren Chapel
- The Becker Collection of Drawings of the American Civil War Era - Drawing of Wren Building in August 1862
