Benham, William 1831-1910 creator text utu 2005 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Old St. Paul's Cathedral" by William Benham is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the architectural and social history of the famous cathedral, exploring its evolution from Roman London through the Christianization of the city, highlighting key figures such as Bishop Mellitus and Bishop Erkenwald, and detailing significant events that shaped its legacy, including fires and reconstructions. The opening of the text sets the stage with a thorough discussion of the early history of London and the establishment of its first cathedral. Benham outlines the Roman origins of the site, suggesting the presence of a temple dedicated to Diana, before transitioning into the Christian era marked by the conversion of King Sebert under Bishop Mellitus. He recounts the destruction and rebuilding efforts of subsequent cathedrals, emphasizing the role of early bishops and notable events, such as the impact of the Norman Conquest on the church's authority and the architectural style. This foundational exploration serves to establish the rich historical tapestry that Old St. Paul's represents, preparing readers for a deeper examination of its religious and cultural significance throughout English history. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2005-08-15 Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Lesley Halamek and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net Original publication data not identified St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) DA Original publication data not identified 03002006 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16531 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16531 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133403.0 16531