Who Would have thought.....
A TRIBUTE TO THE FRIENDS OF ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL 1952 - 2002REN
by Writen and published by the Friends of St Paul's Cathedral

"I was the watch shift officer that night, making my final rounds on the roof of the Cathedral.  I was on the east side when I became aware of a loud and terrifying swishing noise.  Automatically I threw myself to the ground.  Then came an almighty bang.  I felt as if my whole body was being slowly compressed.  When I finally looked up there was a cloud of smoke and dust all over the roof.  Through the debris I could see a large hole a if a giant had taken a bite....."

"Who would have thought..." that the men and women who stood side by side, risking life and limb to protect one of the world's most revered buildings, would become the inspiration for the organisation now known as The Friends of St Paul's Cathedral.

Images of St Paul's framed by the smoke and fire caused by the bombing became a symbol of the nation's indomitable spirit and an inspiration for the British people during the Second World War.  The population were subjected to the might of the German Air Force's "Blitzreig" attack on major cities accross the land.  Throughout the "Blitz" St Paul's miraculously escaped irreparable damage whilst buildings in the surrounding vicinity were reduced to rubble.

This book is a tribute to all the Friends of St Paul's Cathedral.  The Friends' anecdotes, humour and stories are ones that should be told and remembered.  It is the support of the Friends that helps anyone who wishes, to worship in and enjoy this great Cathedral in the 21st Century.  Our thanks goes to them for their inspiration and endless support over all the years.