Clare Teal: London landmark captures spirit of Remembrance Day

I often work nearby but have never once stepped inside. Built between 1675 and 1710, five different monarchs oversaw its creation and the cathedral has a definite air of "I'm not going anywhere" about it – and why should it? This iconic part of the London skyline has witnessed some of the key events of our history including the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. In fact to celebrate its 300th anniversary this year St Paul's is having a whopping 40m repair and spruce-up. I remember seeing an incredible documentary detailing individual accounts of the Blitz and how on one particular night, as if drawn to a magnet, everyday folk with no particular connection to the building worked through the night to keep St Paul's safe from harm.

World War Two correspondent Ernie Pyle, describing a particularly bad raid wrote: "St. Paul's was surrounded by fire, but it came through. It stood there in its enormous proportions – growing slowly clearer and clearer, the way objects take shape at dawn. It was like a picture of some miraculous figure that appears before peace-hungry soldiers on a battlefield."

The fact that St Paul's did survive gave hope to many, it was a reflection of the strength and resilience of a city and its people. I cannot imagine how it must have felt to live through those times, never knowing if you, or all those you loved, were going to live or die. I've spent time in Germany this year, and have seen enough towns and cities built from scratch in the late '40s early '50s with no remaining "old" buildings whatsoever, to know that we weren't the only people who suffered loss during the war.

It's not for me to say whether war is right or wrong, on the surface too many conflicts seem pointless and futile, but what always amazes me is the bravery of those individual people who put their lives in terrible danger to keep their fellow citizens safe.

On Sunday I shall wear my poppy with pride and raise a glass to all those courageous souls.