When you are in London take time out to spend a day in Westminster, most famously known for Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Most people queue to get into these two famous attractions, which are of course very interesting and should not be missed. There are other less well known things to see in Westminster but you need time to explore and enjoy them.
London - Westminster Abbey
The Abbey started out as a Benedictine monastery over a thousand years ago. It was rebuilt in 1065 by Edward the Confessor and in the 13th century King Henry the III created the magnificent Gothic building that we see today.
All British kings and queens, except two, have been crowned here. Check out the Coronation Chairand visit Poets’ Corner where every major English poet is remembered or buried.
Often overlooked by visitors is theLittle Cloisterand the College Garden. The cloisters were the centre of monastic life. Access is from Dean's Yard, near the Victoria Street entrance to Westminster Abbey.
London - Houses of Parliament
The British Houses of Parliament are also known as the Palace of Westminster, these magnificent neo-Gothic buildings are not as old as they look. They date from the 19th century, replacing the buildings which a fire destroyed in 1834. It is possible to take a guided tour which begins by following the route taken by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament and you also get to see the interior of the seat of government, the House of Commons.
Big Ben is possibly one of the most photographed clock towers in the world. ‘Big Ben’ is the name of the enormous bell which booms out through the day and night.
Victoria Gardens
Next to the the Houses of Parliament, are the Victoria Gardens where Rodin’s dramatic bronze sculpture, the ‘Burghers of Calais’ commemorates the story of how, on the capture of the French town in 1347 after nearly a year's siege, six leading citizens offered their lives to Edward III as ransom for the protection of other townsfolk. Queen Philippa, Edward's wife, in turn interceded to save their lives.
Lambeth Palace
Having enjoyed the ‘Burghers of Calais’, stay in the park and walk along by the river to Lambeth Bridge. Cross over and you will come to Lambeth Palace, an ancient and beautiful complex which has been home to the Archbishops of Canterbury since 1207. It was here that Thomas Moore was accused of treason and executed in 1535.
Beside the Tudor gatehouse is the Museum of Garden History, a living museum where plants known in the seventeenth century fill the churchyard, A beautiful reproduction 17th century garden filled with flowers and shrubs of the period has been created around the tombs of famous 17th century plant hunters, the John Tradescants, (father and son), and Captain William Bligh of the 'Bounty'.
Westminster Bridge
People are so interested in seeing the Abbey and Parliament buildings that Westminster Bridge often gets ignored. You might think, well it’s only a bridge, but like many bridges over the Thames it offers good photo opportunities of the South Bank where sits the London Eye.
It was here that Keats wrote his famous ode to the bridge, ‘Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802:
‘Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:....'
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
