576 COMPARATIVE ARCHITECTURE. Wren was also responsible for the erection of some fifty- three City churches in the Renaissance style between 1 670-1 711. These are models of simplicity and restraint, and are notable for skilful planning on awkward and confined sites, and general suitability for Protestant worship, in which a central preaching space is considered more important than the " long-drawn aisle " for processional purposes, characteristic of mediaeval churches. Among the more important of these are the following : — S. Stephen, Walbrook (1672-1679) (No. 256), has original and ingenious planning, and is deservedly famous for the excellent effect produced by small means within a limited area, the sixteen columns, inclosed in a rectangle, carrying cross vaulting and a central cupola, the latter resting on eight of the columns. Bow Church, Cheapside (1680), is the most successful of a type of Renaissance steeple (No. 255 a, b) of which Wren may be called the inventor, in which a square tower supports a pyramidal spire in receding stages clothed with classical details. S. Bride, Fleet Street (1680) (Nos. 255 c, d, 257), is another example generally considered less successful because of the telescopic efifect of similar stories, a fault which was avoided in Bow Church by the use of inverted consoles. S. Martin, Ludgate, has a steeple similar in design, but exceedingly picturesque in the group that it forms in conjunction with Wren's masterpiece, S. Paul's Cathedral, S. Clement Danes (1684) and S. James, Piccadilly (No. 257), are successful though plain examples of his galleried interiors. The W^estern Towers of Westminster Abbey ; S. Dunstan in the East (1698); S. Mary, Aldermary (171 1); S. Michael, Cornhill (1721), are examples of his Gothic treatment of spires. Pembroke College Chapel, Cambridge (1663-1664) was one of his earliest works. The Secular works of Wren were numerous : — The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford (1664), is an evidence of his scientific skill in the constructive carpentry of the roof, and in the splendid acoustic properties of the hall. The Inner Court, Trinity College, Oxford (1665); the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge (1679) ; the Library of Queen's College, Oxford (1682); and the School Room at Winchester (1684), are other examples of his collegiate work. The Monument, London Bridge (1671) ; the Fountain Court and Garden Facade of Hampton Court Palace (1690) ; the Two Blocks of Greenwich Hospital furthest from the river, combined in a group at once picturesque and stately ; Chelsea Hospital, the Royal Palace, Winchester
