Schools & Families Department

A Cross Curricular Self – Guided Trail for Key Stage 2 (with a particular focus on the symbols of water and fire in the Christian faith).

Introduction & Information 3

Map of the Crypt 4

Map of the Cathedral Floor 5

FIRE

St. Paul’s and the Great Fire of London 6

St. Paul’s and the Blitz in WW2 8

Candles at St. Paul’s 11

The Light of the World at St. Paul’s 15

St. Paul’s and the Holy Spirit 17

The Burning Bush at St. Paul’s 18

WATER St. Paul’s and the Famous River 20

Baptism at St. Paul’s 22

Sea Monsters at St. Paul’s? 23

Viscount Horatio Nelson at St. Paul’s 24

Contents

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Welcome! St. Paul’s Cathedral has had many links with both fire and water as symbols during its history. This booklet explores themes linking the symbolism of fire and water to the Christian faith, with areas of the Cathedral, its history, and the lives of some of the people buried there. It is designed to be used as a booklet which pupils work through during a self-guided visit to the Cathedral, but also for use in the classroom and as a basis for personal research and project work. Cross-curricular The pack explores elements of R.E, but also draws on the rich historical background of the Cathedral, and the Geographical context of St Paul’s, situated in the heart of the city. Since St. Paul’s is also home to many fine works of art, the booklet also examines a few of these. Planning your visit Maps at the beginning show the key areas which have worksheets, although it must be stressed that there are many other interesting things to see, and a school would be hard pressed to get their students round everything in one visit! Look through the pages and identify those areas on which you wish to focus during your time at the Cathedral. If you are also planning to climb the Dome to the galleries, you should allow about 45 minutes to go all the way to the top and back. Information for self-guided groups The Cathedral welcomes self-guided groups of well-behaved/supervised pupils. There is a charge of £1 per pupil +VAT however. We recommend that you split larger groups up into smaller more manageable working groups, accompanied by an adult. Please remember that the Cathedral is a place of worship and many visitors will be taking time to pray or sit quietly. On the hour, every hour, there are prayers and we do ask that school groups stand or sit quietly until they are finished. At 12.30 lunch time, we have a Eucharist service under the Dome which is broadcast throughout the Cathedral. You are welcome to continue your visit during this time, but try to avoid the Dome area.

Introduction and Information

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Suggested route The pages of the booklet are laid out to help you to follow a suggested route which starts in the Crypt, before moving up to the main Cathedral floor. Larger groups may wish to start at different points to avoid overcrowding.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE SUPERVISE YOUR GROUP

CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES! Unruly groups will be asked to leave the Cathedral by our stewards. Mobile Phones should be switched off in the building. Please ask pupils not to eat or drink in the Cathedral. Boys/men should remove caps/hats – unless there is a religious/medical reason. Please encourage modest/respectful dress in this place of worship

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Map of the Crypt

Model of Old St. Paul’s

PascalCandle

Nelson’s Tomb

6 &

Please note that

St.Dunstan’s

Chapel is reserved

for private prayer.

Map of the Cathedral Floor

Mosaics Creatures of the Sea and Creation

Burning Bush

The Light of the World Painting

Nelson’s Memorial

Votive Candles

Font & Paschal

Candle Sanctuary Light and

votive candles St. Paul’s Watch

Memorial

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St. Paul’s and the Great Fire of London

On Sunday 2nd September 1666, a devastating fire began to spread through London.

The fire started at the King’s baker’s shop in Pudding Lane. Thomas Farriner thought that he had put out the fire in his bread oven. However, early in the morning a fire started. The bakery, like most buildings in London at that time, was made of wood and burned quickly. Those who lived in the house, no doubt escaped, by climbing along the gutters to the next house.

It was not long before the fire destroyed nearby houses. The thatched roofs and wooden frames burned quickly. It had been very hot and dry that summer and there was a North Easterly wind blowing, which helped the flames to spread.

THINKING POINT… Imagine you only have a few minutes to save your most precious belongings. What would you save? Make a list of the things and say why you would save them.

What I would save. Why I would save it.

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The fire raged all day and all night on the Monday. By Tuesday morning it had reached St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Cathedral roof caught fire first. The lead on the roof melted and flowed down from it. It flowed down Ludgate Hill!

By Wednesday evening the fires had died down and on Thursday morning, the people were able to see the damage to their city. Eighty-seven churches had been burnt down! Many other important buildings had also gone. Thirteen thousand homes had also been destroyed.

King Charles II sent food into London from the countryside. Rebuilding work began, only this time homes and shops were built from stone not wood. The new roads were made wider and cleaner.

St. Paul’s Cathedral was re-designed by the great architect Sir Christopher Wren. He wanted to build a great palace like cathedral fit for a king - Jesus. Look around you at the beautiful Cathedral you can see today. Isn’t it great that a new one was built after the Great Fire!

The old St. Paul’s Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren

THINKING POINT…

Compare the two models of Cathedrals in the Crypt. What do you think are the main differences between them?

Old St. Paul’s New St. Paul’s

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During the Second World War, St. Paul’s was in great danger. The German Air Force dropped thousands of bombs on London during what is known as The Blitz, 1940-41. All the most important treasures in the Cathedral were sent far away from London to keep them safe. People were afraid that bombs would land on the Cathedral and destroy it again, just like what happened in 1666 during the Great Fire of London.

Although many bombs fell, and some landed on the Cathedral,

thankfully the building did not catch fire.

THINKING POINT…

Suggest some reasons why New St. Paul’s Cathedral did not burn down like Old St. Paul’s had done.

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St. Paul’s and the Blitz during WW2

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During WW2 the Cathedral stayed open and people could still come to pray and worship here each day.

THINKING POINT… What sort of prayers do you think people prayed in St. Paul’s at this time? Write your own version of their prayers here.

Dear God …

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______________________________________________________Amen.Amen.Amen.Amen.

On October 10th 1940, a bomb landed on the Cathedral. It went through the roof and made a huge hole in the floor of the North Transept. There were also many firebombs which started fires wherever they landed. On 29th December 1940, twenty-eight firebombs fell on or near the Cathedral. Fires spread quickly and the St Paul’s Fire Watch used buckets of water and sand to put them out. The Watch was a group of volunteers who bravely protected the Cathedral night after night. That night, the whole area to the north of the Cathedral was flattened by bombs and fire.

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Mary Prendergast, joined the

Watch in 1939. She remembers

how hard it was to keep watch

on the whole Cathedral.

[It is] 'such an enormous building, with many complex avenues on the roof; corners and crannies - there could be a [fire] bomb anywhere in a small crevice, or under some masonry. If this was not promptly removed, it could . . . [cause] a fire well into the building'.

During the Blitz, St. Paul’s Fire Watch risked their lives each night. Every night, when everyone else was safely in an air raid shelter, they patrolled the roof of the Cathedral. If they saw any small fire starting, they would immediately put it out. There were 300 members, and each night, 40 were on duty.

THINKING POINT…

The people of St. Paul’s Fire Watch were prepared to risk their lives to protect the Cathedral. Why do you think this was?

What are some other things that people might be prepared to give their lives for?

What would you say if someone told you that your favourite football team or band is rubbish? Would you stand up for them? What would you say to support them? ________________________________________________________________________

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Around St. Paul’s Cathedral you will find places where people have lit candles. These are an important symbol for Christians, and for people from other faiths.

THINKING POINT… Write down occasions when you might use candles. Try to think of more than one use. ______________________________________________________________

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What does the light coming from the candle look like? _____________________________________________________________________ What does it make you think of? _____________________________________________________________________ Do you think that candles are cheerful or sad? Why? _____________________________________________________________________

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Candles at St. Paul’s

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Jesus said

“I am the light of the world. No follower of

mine shall walk in darkness.”

A candle is a reminder; It recalls Jesus, the one true light.

Whom the darkness could not extinguish

A candle is a parable; Burning itself out, it gives light to others

A candle is a symbol;

It speaks of light, hope, warmth and love

A candle is a sign; It reminds us of the prayers of God’s people.

From a meditation card in the Cathedral.

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When people light a votive candle they often say a prayer or think deeply. The candle burns after they have left the building and reminds them that God hears their prayers and cares for them always.

A candle is a symbol of hope. When a candle lights up a dark room, people remember that even if their life is full of difficult and dangerous things, there is always hope for things to get better. Christians light candles at special times.

• At Easter, a Paschal Candle is lit to remember that Jesus came back to life after he was crucified and died on the cross.

• When a person is baptised, they or their parents are given a candle as a symbol of their new faith/journey with Jesus as part of the Christian family.

• In the days before electricity, fairy lights on Christmas trees used to be candles. They remind Christians of the birth of Jesus, The Light of the World.

THINKING POINT… Write down the name of a person you want to pray for. __________________________________________________________________ Write down a place in the world that you want to pray for. __________________________________________________________________ If you would like to, ask your teacher if you can light a candle and say a

prayer. (A candle costs 10p)

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THINKING POINT…

On this next page, write down all the words to do with candles that you can think of. Write down ideas such as what it looks like, what it is made of, who uses it, when it is used, what it feels like, and what it symbolises.

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Perhaps write a poem about light and its symbolism?

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The painting called “The Light of the World” is very famous. It was given to St. Paul’s Cathedral nearly one hundred years ago. Before it was placed in the Cathedral, it toured the world and was seen by about 7 million people! The picture is in a chapel which is also a place of prayer. Please be quiet when you sit there to look at the painting.

THINKING POINT… Who is it a picture of?

Why is he called the Light of the World?

Describe what the picture shows. _______________________________________________________________________

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The Light of the World Painting

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Underneath the painting there are some words from the New Testament part of the Christian Bible: “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with me.”

These come from the book of Revelation, chapter 3, verse 20. Christians believe that Jesus wants to get to know everyone, but he doesn’t force anyone! It is as if he is knocking at the door of peoples’ hearts. People have to decide whether they will let him in or not.

THINKING POINT…

Look again at the picture of The Light of the World. Jesus is shown knocking at a door. It represents the door to someone’s heart. What makes it hard for Jesus to open the door himself? Look very carefully! ___________________________

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The picture is very special to St. Paul’s and is worth a lot of money. It is kept in a special fireproof case. If there should ever be a fire in the Cathedral, the doors would be closed and the fire would not damage the painting inside.

Jesus said:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12: 46

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The Day of Pentecost In the Gospel story of the New Testament it is written that a few days after Jesus had ascended into Heaven, his disciples were sitting in a room praying. A noise like a great wind blowing began and burst into the room where they were sitting. Flames seemed to come into the room and touch each of them, but no one was burnt. Instead, they were filled with amazing joy and power. They rushed outside to tell everyone they met about how wonderful Jesus was. They were even able to speak languages they had never been

taught!

Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is part of God who helps with them in their daily lives. The Holy Spirit is often symbolised by fire because of the Gospel account above. A bishop wears a hat called a mitre which is designed to look like flames representing the Holy Spirit to remember this story.

The Holy Spirit

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In the American Memorial Chapel at the West end there is a symbol of a burning bush on the altar rail. Can you find it? This chapel was built after the Second World War. A bomb had fallen through the roof and destroyed the High Altar. When they rebuilt that end of the Cathedral, they made an area to remember all the people of the United States of America who had helped Britain fight Germany during the war. Some of the Americans who died were Jewish. Jewish people look to Moses as a very important person called by God in their faith.

Moses was born at a time when the Hebrew people were slaves of the Egyptian kings. The king ordered that all baby boys should be killed, but Moses’ mother saved him by putting him in a basket and placing it in the river. The king’s daughter found the baby and took him in as her own son. Moses was brought up as an Egyptian prince. But one day, he got angry at the way an Egyptian was treating a Hebrew. He killed the Egyptian and had to run away. He travelled many miles before arriving at the home of Jethro. Moses settled here and became a shepherd. One day, when Moses was looking after the sheep, he saw a burning bush. The bush was not damaged by the flames and Moses heard God speak to him. God ordered him to return to Egypt and tell the king to free the Hebrews. Moses did as God had told him to, and after many terrible punishments, the King of Egypt agreed to let the people go free. The burning bush is a symbol of God and reminds people that He is with them.

The Burning Bush in St. Paul’s Cathedral

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THINKING POINT…

Have you ever seen or heard anything unusual? Describe what it was and how it made you feel. __________________________________________________________________

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How do you think Moses felt when he saw a burning bush and heard God speaking to him? __________________________________________________________________

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St. Paul’s Cathedral is very close to the river which runs through London. The River is very important to London. For thousands of years boats and ships came to London by sailing up the river. They brought cargo to sell.

Today, most of the boats you see near St. Paul’s carry tourists in boats to look at the great views of London.

THINKING POINT… What is the river that runs through London called? ______________________ What sort of cargoes might have

been brought to London?

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The river in London is so close to the sea that it rises and falls with the tides. The Thames Barrier a few miles down the river from St. Paul’s stops the City from flooding.

St. Paul’s and the Famous River!

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Sometimes people say that our lives are like a river. We start off small. More and more things happen to us and we grow bigger and stronger.

THINKING POINT…

1. When you were born, you

were small, like a stream. Write your birthday in the mountains where the river begins.

2. As you got older, you

grew up and exciting things started to happen to you. Write down three things that have happened to you which show that you have started to grow up. Mark them on the river as it starts to get wider.

3. Think of people you

know who are small and fast like a stream. Add their names to the river.

4. Think of another person

who is big and strong like the London river. Add their name near the mouth of the river.

My Birthday…

Someone I know

who is small…

Three things that show I am growing up are… 1. 2.

3.

Someone I know

who is fast…

Someone who is big and strong is…

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A font is a special bowl that can be filled with water. The font is close to the main West Doors in St Paul’s. The water is blessed by a priest and used to welcome new members into the Christian family at a service called Baptism or Christening. When babies are baptised, their parents and godparents make promises for them. When they are older, they can confirm those promises in another ceremony called Confirmation. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, and then began to teach people about God. Baptism is the start of a new life journey as a Christian. Baptism is often seen as a kind of washing to get rid of all the sad and nasty things that affect our lives so we are clean and refreshed before God to begin again as a follower of Jesus. Some Christian churches such as Baptists or Pentecostals only baptise adults and they are put right down under the water in a small pool then brought back up again. This is what happened to Jesus.

THINKING POINT… What is the font made out of? _________________________________________________________________________ Why do you think the font is by the door of the Cathedral?

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Baptism at St. Paul’s Cathedral

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THINKING POINT 2…

Look up at the mosaics above the Quire. What colours can you see? _________________________________

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Which is the main colour? _______________________________ Why do you think is this colour used? _______________________________

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What is in the centre of each circular

mosaic?

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Did you know that there are sea monsters at St. Paul’s Cathedral? Above the Quire there are very colourful mosaics. They are made from nearly 7 million tiny pieces of glass! Because they are made from bits of glass they glitter in a way that ordinary paintings do not. Look carefully at the three round mosaics above the Quire. One shows animals that live on land. Another shows birds that fly in the sky. The middle one shows animals that live in the sea.

THINKING POINT 1…

Write down the names of all the different animals that you can see.

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Can you see the sea monster?

Sea Monsters in St Paul’s Cathedral?

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Admiral Nelson was born in 1758 in Norfolk. He was a famous sailor who led the British Navy. He was twelve years old when he joined the Navy. He fought in many battles, even losing his arm, but was killed in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar. Even though he died, Britain still won! Thousands of people came to his funeral in St. Paul’s Cathedral. Nelson is also buried at St. Paul’s. His tomb is in the crypt and there is a monument on the Cathedral floor too.

THINKING POINT…

Look at his memorial on the Cathedral floor. What can you see that tells you he was a sailor? __________________________

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The woman on the left of the monument represents the people of Britain. What do you think she is telling the children? __________________________

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Horatio Lord Nelson at St. Paul’s

Some of his most famous battles are written on the monument. What were they? _______________________

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In the crypt, you can see a big black stone box. This is called a sarcophagus (say: sar-coff-a-gus). Nelson is buried underneath this big box, beneath the floor. The black sarcophagus was actually made for Cardinal Wolsey. He was a great man, but when he upset the King, Henry VIII, he lost all his power and money. Henry took everything he owned, from his house, Hampton Court, to his sarcophagus. It was forgotten, until a decoration for Nelson’s tomb was required. The sarcophagus was

found and taken to St. Paul’s.

THINKING POINT…

What is written on the side of

the tomb?

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Nelson is buried in the crypt.

Right above his grave is the

Dome of the Cathedral. Why do

you think he was buried in such

a special place?

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Nelson was the nation’s hero.

Who do you think is the

nation’s hero today? Do you

think he or she should be buried

in St. Paul’s when they die?

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Cardinal Wolsey

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Look at the floor around the tomb of Nelson. It is a mosaic tiled floor. A mosaic is made up of hundreds of little square tiles. The patterns/pictures on this floor were made by women prisoners. It must have been hard work kneeling for a long time putting all those tiny tiles in place!

THINKING POINT

Looking at the mosaic around Nelson’s tomb, what can you see that tells you he was a sailor? ________________________________

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If you look carefully, you can see that they made a few mistakes at first. As they practised, they got better at it, and the patterns at the far end are better than at the beginning.

THINKING POINT…

Write down something here that you were not very good at, at first but with practice you have improved at. It might be handwriting, running or even playing a computer game. ________________________________

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