London’s Westminster Abbey is one of the top tourist destinations in England and one of the best known religious buildings in the world. Tourists to London are drawn to Westminster Abbey to experience the atmosphere and tradition of one of the UK’s most visited buildings. It is often visited as part of a sight seeing tour of London taking in the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, London Bridge and the Thames, Buckingham Place and the London Eye.
 |
| Westminster Abbey, West Gate - by Ellocharlie - Public Domain |
Over 900 years of history
Famous for hosting the coronation of many of the kings and
queens of England for over
900 years, the Abbey has played a central part in the religious, political and
social history of England
and still continues to do so. It is in fact a ‘Royal Peculiar’ which means it
is owned and comes under the jurisdiction of the British monarch and is not a
diocese and not under the authority of a bishopric. Its correct name is the
Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster.
The construction of the original Westminster Abbey is due to
a vow made by Edward the Confessor, England’s penultimate Saxon King,
to Pope Leo IX. In return for being released from the duty of making a
pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Tomb in Rome,
Edward promised to built, or restore a church to St. Peter. The site had
previously been used for religious purposes since 616 A.D. and later became St
Dunstan’s for the Abbot of Glastonbury
and Archbishop of Canterbury.
Coronations of the monarchs of England
Harold became the first king to be crowned there though he
was to be the last Saxon King of England but his coronation was not
recognized by the Pope. William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on
Christmas Day 1066 and recognized by the Pope. With the exceptions of Edward V
and Edward VIII, all England’s
monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey.
During the reign of Henry III the Abbey was virtually
rebuilt and has been added to over the centuries and is now very different from
its original shape. In the 14th century the nave was added, and Henry VII added
a chapel which became known as Henry VII’s Chapel in the 16th century. The twin
towers were added in the 18th century. So the Abbey actually has acquired
several different styles of architecture over the ages.
There are many, but not all, of England’s monarchs and royalty
buried there. Princess Diana’s funeral was held at the Abbey in 1997, though
she was buried at her family home of Althrop in Northamptonshire.
Many famous people other than royalty have Westminster Abbey
as their final place of rest, or have been given memorials there. This is
regarded as a great honour and one of the highest accolades the nation can
bestow. For the most part the aristocracy were interred in the chapels, while
people connected with the Abbey like monks, or who worked for it were given
burials in the Cloisters.
One of the main areas of interest in the Abbey is the
Coronation Chair, made from oak, Edward I sat on this for his coronation in
1274 and has been the seat used at most of the coronations right up to Queen
Elizabeth II in 1953.
Commemorating those who reached greatness
Set in the floor within the main entrance is the tomb of the
Unknown Warrior which commemorates those that fell in the First World War. This
is the only part of the Abbey which must not be walked upon.
There is Poet’s Corner which commemorates many famous poets
and authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, Charles
Dickens and Rudyard Kipling. There is also a Musician’s Aisle and a Statesman’s
Aisle as well as the royal tombs and memorials.
There have been many memorials to knights, actors,
musicians, politicians in the Abbey and the Cloisters over the centuries.
Westminster Abbey has traditionally been the place of commemoration for those
who have achieved greatness, or who have served the nation, or world, in some
way.
Experiencing the Abbey
There is an admission
fee though the services can be attended for free and guided tours are
available for a fee. The best way to experience the Abbey is to pay for a
guided tour which will give all the information and point out all the parts of
interest and attend a service for free. Evensong is held daily and is a
favorite of many to complete the experience.
Getting to Westminster Abbey
Charing Cross Railway Station is about 14 minutes on foot
and Victoria Railway Station is a little further taking around 17 minutes.
Driving is not recommended in London
and congestion charges may apply. Abingdon Masterpark is 2 minutes away and
Trafalgar Masterpark is about 13 minutes on foot.
Hotels and accommodation
London
has a great variety of choice for accommodation ranging from
top class hotels, bed and breakfast, and hostels. Some universities rent out
student accommodation at very reasonable prices during the holiday periods.
A distinguished heritage
With over 900 years of history Westminster Abbey has played
a central part in the religious, cultural and political traditions of England and the United Kingdom. Having hosted the
coronation of many monarchs and become the final resting place for many royal
or great people who have served the nation, or humanity. With such a
distinguished heritage Westminster Abbey rightly deserves to be recognized as
one of the top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.
© 16/12/2013 zteve t evans
References and Attributions
First posted on Helium.con on December 16, 2013 - Copyright December 16, 2013 zteve t evans
- Westminster Abbey - Founded 960
- Sacred Destinations - Westminster Abbey, London
- VISITLONDON,COM - Where to Stay in London
No comments:
Post a Comment