The Wonders of Westminster

By Mark Hamilton


Westminster itself is located within the City of Westminster, and is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. It is home to the Palace of Westminster, together with the Parliamentary buildings, and just a short distance from the City of London.

The name Westminster was historically only used to refer to the small area of land surrounding Westminster Abbey, however, this was changed in 1965, when the area was expanded to include Marylebone and Paddington.

Now largely a residential area, Westminster has been home to many of the same families for a number of generations. A number of council estates have, over the years, increased the population level quite substantially.

Whatever your interests may be, there is a great deal to do in the Westminster area, and the numerous famous landmarks and historic buildings there make Westminster a real hotspot for tourists and visitors to London.

Undoubtedly, with its pavements, textiles, stained glass and house of paintings, together with numerous other artefacts, Westminster Abbey houses many treasures. The abbey is also where some of the most significant and influential people in the history of the nation are buried and commemorated. When combined, the tombs and memorials make up the most important single collection of monumental sculpture in the United Kingdom.

The peaceful and stunning College Gardens, within Westminster Abbey can be accessed free of charge, without paying to go into the abbey and are open from Tuesday to Thursday, unless other scheduled events are taking place.

The Palace of Westminster was designed and built by the 19th century architect Sir Charles Barry, and is one of the world's most recognisable buildings. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Grade I listed building. The palace is home to an eclectic combination of ancient and modern buildings, as well as an iconic collection of furnishings, archives and numerous works of art.

Usually called Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower are probably the most iconic of landmarks in London. Strictly speaking, Big Ben is actually the huge bell inside the clock tower itself, weighing over 13 tons (13,760kg). At night, when the clock faces are illuminated, the tower looks spectacular.

The name Big Ben was first given to the Great Bell, but is often used when describing the tower, clock and bell. In 1859, The Elizabeth Tower was completed, with the Great Clock starting on 31 May, the Great Bell striking for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells on 7 September.

Cutting through Dean's Yard, visitors can avoid the tourist rush by then turning left into Great College Street, which emerges opposite the gardens. There, the Buxton Memorial Fountain together with the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst can be found.

At the corner of Victoria Street and Broadway is Christchurch Gardens, the remainder of the former burial ground of St Margaret's. The infamous Thomas Blood is buried there, known for his near success when trying to steal the Crown Jewels. How many visitors to the gardens know of the bodies beneath their feet?




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...