•London Travel Holiday•
•Things To See And Do On Your London Travel Holiday•
Westminster Abbey - Steeped In History
If you want to see where some of the most famous people in history are buried, then a trip to Westminster Abbey on your London vacation is a must. Founded over 900 years ago, the Abbey is the final resting place of scientists, poets, kings and philosophers all of whom have had a profound impact on humankind.
While the architecture is rather common, it is what is inside its walls that is of interest. The floorplan is a traditional cross shape with South and North transept's and also including several round side areas. But within this common floorplan, interesting new discoveries are being made each day. In fact, in 2005 the tomb of the founder of Westminster Abby Edward I or Edward the confessor was discovered laying underneath a Cosmati mosaic that dates to 1268. In addition, royal tombs which date to the 13th and 14th centuries have been discovered thanks to ground penetrating radar.
Within these walls you will find the final resting place of Kipling, Chaucer, Sir Isaac Newton, James Clark Maxwell who discovered the precursor to TV and radio, electromagnetic theory and the creator of the first dictionary Dr. Samuel Johnson as well as many other famous historical figures including many English kings such as Henry III who actually is responsible for much of the Abbey structure.
But even though Westminster Abby is a place with a lot of history it is still an active church and performs services for all denominations. It's been used for every coronation since 1066 and despite the traditional floorplan has a look of grandeur with huge vaulted ceilings and traditional Gothic design.
You'll also find some great art inside the Abbey including a portrait of Richard III which dates back to 1390 and is one of the oldest known portraits of the British monarchy. You'll also find monuments in the nave such as Winston Churchill, and the tomb of the unknown WWI warrior which was the last full body internment allowed as only ashes are buried in the Abbey today.
When you visit the Abbey, be sure to check out the octagonal Chapter House which is located near Poets corner and is one of the earliest sections of the Abbey which was built over 900 years ago by Henry III. It is great way to get a look at all the different architectural styles that make up the different editions and changes made over the centuries. In the South transept you'll be able to see the rose window original to the Abbey as well as a interesting medieval sculpture which is considered to be quite rare since three-dimensional art was frowned upon during medieval times.
You can easily get to Westminster Abbey by using the tube, or London underground subway system and exiting at St. James Park.
While the architecture is rather common, it is what is inside its walls that is of interest. The floorplan is a traditional cross shape with South and North transept's and also including several round side areas. But within this common floorplan, interesting new discoveries are being made each day. In fact, in 2005 the tomb of the founder of Westminster Abby Edward I or Edward the confessor was discovered laying underneath a Cosmati mosaic that dates to 1268. In addition, royal tombs which date to the 13th and 14th centuries have been discovered thanks to ground penetrating radar.
Within these walls you will find the final resting place of Kipling, Chaucer, Sir Isaac Newton, James Clark Maxwell who discovered the precursor to TV and radio, electromagnetic theory and the creator of the first dictionary Dr. Samuel Johnson as well as many other famous historical figures including many English kings such as Henry III who actually is responsible for much of the Abbey structure.
But even though Westminster Abby is a place with a lot of history it is still an active church and performs services for all denominations. It's been used for every coronation since 1066 and despite the traditional floorplan has a look of grandeur with huge vaulted ceilings and traditional Gothic design.
You'll also find some great art inside the Abbey including a portrait of Richard III which dates back to 1390 and is one of the oldest known portraits of the British monarchy. You'll also find monuments in the nave such as Winston Churchill, and the tomb of the unknown WWI warrior which was the last full body internment allowed as only ashes are buried in the Abbey today.
When you visit the Abbey, be sure to check out the octagonal Chapter House which is located near Poets corner and is one of the earliest sections of the Abbey which was built over 900 years ago by Henry III. It is great way to get a look at all the different architectural styles that make up the different editions and changes made over the centuries. In the South transept you'll be able to see the rose window original to the Abbey as well as a interesting medieval sculpture which is considered to be quite rare since three-dimensional art was frowned upon during medieval times.
You can easily get to Westminster Abbey by using the tube, or London underground subway system and exiting at St. James Park.