Around 20-years ago – I climbed these 528-steps up to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral. Around 2006, I was with a group that had to stop around two-thirds on the way up due to the strain of it all. I got to the top with my eldest daughter – Sue-Ling (who was then 9-years old). Enen though I was comparatively younger and very fit (as a professional martial arts teacher) – I found it hard. I was curious as to whether I could do it again at 59 – this time with Gee and our two daughters – Mei-An (14) and Kai-Lin (9).
Well, it was a struggle in the heat (on Saturday 15.8.2026 at around 3pm) – but we all did it! Gee even carried a rucksack and a bag! The two children, who are not that keen on keeping-fit outside of school – walked up and down like it was nothing. My martial arts (gongfu) training obviously works even at my age.
It was difficult but it was achievable. Some people take a lift part of the way up – but we never found this lift. Others do a short section and turn back. Even when the young reach the top – they look worse for wear. In fact – although one of the centres of the Church of England (CofE) – there seems to be an element of “Sadomasochism” to it all. As if those Church Authorities watching enjoy the spectacle of the fee-paying faithful (yes – you have to “pay” to voluntarily submit yourself to this madness) – or non-faithful (as the case may be) – inflicting pain upon themselves (a form of self-flagellation). It is the design of this building possesses a nasty side in its design. Who knows – when the Cathedral is closed the Church Fathers might draw pleasure by climbing the steps themselves.
Of course, like all things “CofE” – the entire place, although of historical and archaeological importance, is subject to capitalist free market forces. The over-priced gift shop reduces Christianity to fluffy toys and cut book-marks – all over-priced – of course. I suspect that if you actually asked a question about religion – nobody working in there could answer it. Still, history is history, and other than the excessive steps – the history entwined in the stone-work of the building was good for the children to enjoy. At the entry point – the clerk shouted that there was no photography – but then said we could photograph anything we wanted to. So, we never quite worked-out what the rule was – and recorded everything we could see. Finally, when we got to what we thought was the top – it turned out there was actually over another hundred steps to go! In the video I say we had climbed the 528 steps – but I think there was around another 140 to go!
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 