Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most important religious centers in the country. Many kings and queens and famous people are buried or commemorated there. Its founder, Edward the Confessor built it on the site of an old church called Saint Peter's. The Abbey was blessed at Christmas in 1065 and Edward died a week later. Edward the Confessor was made a saint after his death and he is buried in a special chapel dedicated to him. Nine English kings and queens are buried in Saint Edward's Chapel including Henry the Fifth. When he was buried his battle horses were led up to the High Altar.

The Abbey has been scene of every royal coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066. Monarchs are crowned while sitting on the Coronation throne kept in the Chapel. The Stone of Scone, a symbol of Scottish royalty, is kept underneath it. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953 by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The interior of the Abbey is one of the finest achievements of English architecture. Built of Reigate stone with pierce of green, grey and purple marble, it has the tallest Gothic nave in the country. There are over 1, 000 monuments. The memorials provide a history of English monumental sculpture.

In the Museum of Abbey Treasures you can see models of the Crown Jewels, used for corona­tion rehearsals. There are also lifelike models of famous people made after their death. These include Elizabeth of York. A copy of her face was traditionally used for the pictures of queens on playing cards.

Parts of the Abbey are set aside for the memorials and tombs of famous people. In Poet's Cor­ner many famous British poets, playwrights and novelists are buried or commemorated. A monument to Chaucer was erected here in 1556. In Poet's Corner there are memorials to Shakespeare, Walter Scott and Shelley.

Near the entrance to the Abbey you can see the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It commemo­rates all British soldiers who died in the First World War.

Westminster Abbey presents a stunning array of historical and commemorative monuments in a setting of outstanding architectural beauty – but it must be remembered that it is still a Christian Church with regular services. The abbey is open daily, but when services are being held certain parts are closed to tourists.

Westminster, W1. Open Mon.-Fri.8am – 6pm. Tube: Westminster.

There are 39 City churches in London. Westminster Cathedral is England's chief Roman Catholic Church. It was completed in 1903. Its nave is the widest in England. Its bell tower /284 ft/ is 50 ft higher then the west towers of Westminster Abbey. It is well worth of visit, not least for the view from the top of the bell tower, which is reached by lift.

The Chapel of St. John in the Tower of London is the oldest church. It dates from the 10th century and still has some of its original architecture.

Saint Mary-le-Bow is famous for its " Bow bells", which used to ring daily. A true Londoner, a Cockney, has to be born within the sound of the bells.

Saint Bride's church was built by Christopher Wren. In the 18th century a certain baker made a wedding cake replica of the steeple of Saint Bride's. It became the fashion and is the origin of the wedding cakes made today.

Many people have come from Arab countries, and have set up themselves for their Islamic faith. There is the Islamic temple in Regent's Park.