St Paul's Cathedral familiar with the unique octagonal lantern tower over the crossing of Ely Cathedral, which spans the aisles as well as the central nave, unlike the central towers and domes of most churches. Wren adapted this characteristic in designing the dome of St Paul's. In section St Paul's also maintains a medieval form, having the aisles much lower than the nave, and a defined clerestory. The most notable exterior feature is the dome, which rises to the cross at its summit, and dominates views of the City. The height of 365 feet is explained by Wren's interest in astronomy. Until the
Christ Church Tower, Crewe stops carved with faces. Over this is a window with Geometric tracery. Higher on the tower are more windows, some of which are lancets, and others have trefoil heads. On each side of the tower is a clock dial set in diapered panels. The top stage has louvred triple-lancet bell openings. On the top of the tower is a stepped and gabled parapet, with octagonal crocketed pinnacles at the corners. Originally the tower had an iron crown that was made in the railway workshops. Some of the walls of the church remain, including parts of the red brick chancel. Also