St Paul's in the ruins by Frank Rust - Northcliffe Collection
St. Paul’s Cathedral is surrounded by ruins after an enemy air raid during World War II. Between 7 September 1940 and 10 May 1941, over 18,000 tonnes of high explosives were dropped on London in 71 air raids. Prime Minister Winston Churchill sent word that St Paul’s Cathedral should be protected at all costs – it would boost morale to save Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. photograph by Frank Rust Northcliffe Collection,1941