An overdosis of Wren's churches

Until well into the 19th century the only official source for corpses for medical research was the public hangman. This gave rise to the "Resurrectionists" (body-snatchers), who made 8 to 14 Pounds on each body. No wonder people sought "Safety for the Dead!" One answer was the iron coffin with clips in the lid. It was patented in London in 1818.

This metal coffin is just one out of many interesting objects in an exhibition in the crypt of St. Bride's Church, one out of more than 50 churches designed by Christopher Wren (1632-1723) in London City. I nearly had an overdosis of Wren churches today. Luckily some of them were already closed when I reached them. Will continue this walk through "The City" soon.

Close to Fleet Street, the church is known as the "journalists' and printers' cathedral." The church boasts Wren's tallest, and most exquisite, spire. It is said that pastry cook William Rich (1755-1811) saw the spine through his window and modelled his wedding cakes on it - and so this sweet stuff got its look.

As the church is so closely linked with Fleet Street, the seats are sponsored by the press. An unusual sight for our eyes but in Britain churches are much more part of the daily life as in Germany. At lunchtime, for example, lots of employees sit in the churchyard eating their lunch. Even I had my lunch in the crypt of St Mary-le-Bow today, which has been transformed in the Café Below.

Highlight of today was the Organ Spectacular at St Paul's Cathedral, a battle of three organs with the St Paul's organists. A great concert in a wonderful surrounding. The chief organist even explained some of the Grand Organ's features and demonstrated - with a live video from inside the organ high above - how an organ tuner works. At St Paul's, the organ tuner comes round every other week to tune the thousands of pipes.