Introduction
Christopher Wren B.D. (1589 – 29 May 1658/59) was Dean of Windsor from 1635 until his death.
Family
He was the son of Francis Wren, citizen and mercer of London, only son of Cuthbert Wren, of Monk's-Kirby, in the county of Warwick, second son of William Wren, of Sherborne-House and of Billy-Hall in the bishopric of Durham. He was descended from an ancient family which came originally from Denmark.
He was the brother of the preceding Dean of Windsor, Matthew Wren.
He married Mary Cox, and their son was the architect Christopher Wren.
Career
He was educated at Merchant Taylors School and St John’s College, Cambridge and graduated BA in 1609, MA in 1613, BD in 1620.
He was appointed:
- Chaplain to Bishop Lancelot Andrewes
- Chaplain to King Charles I
- Rector of Fonthill, Wiltshire 1620
- Rector of East Knoyle 1623
- Dean of Wolverhampton 1639
- Rector of Great Haseley 1639
He was appointed Dean of Windsor in 1635. When Parliamentary forces occupied Windsor Castle, he refused to give the keys of the Chapel to Captain Fogg. Captain Fogg broke open the treasury and plundered it. Wren managed to preserve the records of the Order of the Garter, and King Edward III’s sword.