Christopher Wren was born on October 20, 1632, in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, England. He was the son of Christopher Wren Sr., who was a rector in the Church of England, and Mary Cox, who was the daughter of a prominent local merchant.

As a child, Christopher Wren was homeschooled by his father, who was a highly educated man with a strong interest in mathematics and science. Under his father's guidance, Wren developed a keen interest in mathematics, astronomy, and physics. He was also exposed to classical literature, art, and architecture, which would later influence his work as an architect.

In 1646, when Wren was just 14 years old, he entered Wadham College at the University of Oxford. At Oxford, he studied mathematics and experimental physics, and he was also introduced to the work of the leading scientists and philosophers of the day, including Galileo and Descartes. Wren excelled in his studies and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1650 and a Master of Arts degree in 1653.

After completing his studies at Oxford, Wren returned to London, where he began his career as a scientist and mathematician. He became a member of the Royal Society, a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of science, and he began collaborating with other scientists on a variety of research projects.

Wren's social relationships were also quite influential in his life. He was a close friend of Robert Boyle, the famous chemist and physicist, and he was also acquainted with many other leading scientists and intellectuals of the day. In 1657, Wren married Faith Coghill, the daughter of Sir John Coghill, a wealthy landowner. They had two children together, but unfortunately, both of them died in infancy.

Overall, Wren's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education, a deep interest in science and mathematics, and close relationships with other intellectuals and scientists. These early experiences would lay the foundation for his later career as one of England's most celebrated architects.

Christopher Wren's involvement in architecture began when he was asked to assist with the design of the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford in 1662. Although Wren had no formal training in architecture, he was known for his expertise in mathematics, engineering, and mechanics, which made him well-suited to take on this project.

Wren quickly demonstrated his skill as an architect and was soon commissioned to design a number of important buildings and structures. One of his earliest major works was the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a complex of buildings designed to provide housing and care for retired soldiers. Construction on the hospital began in 1682 and was completed in 1692.

Another major project that Wren undertook was the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The original cathedral had been destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, and Wren was tasked with designing and overseeing the construction of a new cathedral in its place. Wren's design for the new cathedral was a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, featuring a large dome that became an iconic symbol of London.

In addition to these major projects, Wren designed and oversaw the construction of numerous other buildings and structures throughout his career. These included the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Tom Tower at Christ Church College in Oxford, and the rebuilding of numerous churches and public buildings throughout England.

One of his most significant works was the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, which was commissioned by King Charles II in 1675. The observatory was designed to serve as a center for scientific research and was instrumental in the development of astronomy and navigation in the 17th and 18th centuries. Wren's design for the observatory included a number of innovative features, such as a telescopic dome and an accurate timepiece, which allowed for precise astronomical observations and navigation calculations.

Another notable building designed by Wren is the Tom Tower at Christ Church College in Oxford. The tower was completed in 1682 and is named after Thomas Tompion, a famous clockmaker who was responsible for designing the clock mechanism in the tower. The tower is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, featuring intricate carvings and ornamentation, and it remains one of Oxford's most iconic landmarks.

In addition to these major works, Wren was also responsible for the rebuilding of numerous churches and public buildings throughout England. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, Wren was appointed as the official Surveyor of the City of London and was tasked with overseeing the rebuilding of the city. Over the course of his career, he designed and oversaw the construction of more than 50 churches, many of which remain standing today.

Some of the most notable churches designed by Wren include St. Mary-le-Bow in London, which is famous for its distinctive bell tower, and St. Stephen Walbrook, which features an innovative dome design that foreshadows the dome at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Overall, Christopher Wren's legacy as an architect is marked by his innovation, attention to detail, and his ability to blend classical and Baroque elements into his designs. His works remain some of the most iconic and important buildings in England today.

Wren's architectural style was characterized by a blend of classical and Baroque elements, with a focus on grandeur and ornamentation. His designs were known for their attention to detail, technical precision, and innovation, and he was widely regarded as one of England's greatest architects.