The current St. Paul’s Cathedral, the fifth on its site, took 35 years to complete. The initial plans, designs, and technical solutions had to be altered multiple times for various reasons. It was the lifelong project of Christopher Wren (1632-1723), who oversaw the cathedral’s construction from 1675 to 1710, spanning the reigns of five monarchs.
The western towers of St. Paul’s, constructed between 1685 and 1710, define the main processional entrance. The final designs of these towers were only completed at the end of this period, with records showing delays and struggles that affected the installation of the clocks.
Construction above the plinth of the upper entablature began in 1705. The topmost attic stage was modelled by Christopher Kempster (1627-1715) in 1707, and the gilded copper pineapples, designed by Francis Bird (1677-1731), were cast in 1708 by the French Huguenot ironworker Jean Tijou (active between 1689–1712). Each clock tower features a gilded copper pineapple atop, possibly symbolising welcome. However, only the southwest tower received a clock face. Weight holes were constructed in 1694 but were never used; the clock was installed in the southwest tower in 1707, with weights suspended above the main body. The second tower, lacking a clock, retains its empty weight hole, which reminds us of the unfinished initial plan.
