Excelsior Coaches shows its support for historic Dorset project commemorating Sir Christopher Wren

We recently showed our support for an important Dorset project, by transporting volunteers and partners working with the Memory Stones green corridor project to a special event in London. 

Last year, the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust celebrated the architectural achievements of Dorset-born Sir Christopher Wren, marking his 300th year with a memory stone in Portland. Recently they and partners of the initiative were invited to a tour of one of Wren’s most famous buildings - St Paul’s Cathedral.

“We were delighted to take a coach with a large delegation from Dorset to this important event -hosted by the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral,” said Paul Knight, Excelsior Coaches operations manager. 

“The Wren monument was created out of material from the Portland quarry where the stone for St Paul’s was cut. It marks the start of the Wren Way - a footpath that runs to the Durdle Pier and then links up from St Paul’s Wharf to St Paul’s and other churches in the City of London that were built by Portland Stone after the Great Fire. 

“This is a historic project that has created a legacy on the Isle of Portland, and Excelsior is delighted to have helped - through our community fund - celebrate the work that has been done here.”

The coach party of Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust representatives and dignitaries arrived at St Paul’s Wharf in London, allowing them to walk the London section of Wren’s Walk to the cathedral - where they were treated to a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, hosted by the Dean. 

Hannah Sofaer, from Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust, added: “Excelsior has made the most remarkable day and landmark journey possible. The visit really brought home to everyone in the group the connection between Portland’s older quarries, their ecology created from the quarrying and working of stone by hand, and its relation to the great architectural vision of Christopher Wren. As a builder, astronomer, anatomist, geometer, mathematician and physicist, the tour led by the Dean, enlightened our understanding of Wren’s skills and knowledge brought together in the design of his greatest masterpiece St Paul’s Cathedral.”

For more information about the project, please visit learningstone.org .

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