What responsibilities did Christopher Wren have as surveyor of works to Charles II?

Christopher Wren was appointed the king’s surveyor of works in 1669 following the death of his predecessor. Operating from his official residence at Whitehall, his primary role was to serve the monarch rather than the City of London authorities.1

While Wren is famously associated with the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral and numerous city churches following the Great Fire of London, these projects did not automatically fall under the official sphere of the royal works. However, he was personally responsible for the design and oversight of 52 churches rebuilt after the fire. Although he delegated much of the drafting work to others, he maintained authority by approving the designs for every case, often leaving a distinct personal impress on the architecture.1

Beyond these specific projects, his position as surveyor placed him at the center of royal building interests, though he notably did not design private houses or halls for City companies.1