Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
London, England
29.10.2008
The Palast und Abtei von Westminster mit Margarethenkirche, also known as the Palace and Abbey of Westminster with St. Margaret's Church, is a historic and iconic landmark in London, England. Located in the heart of the city, this grand complex is a must-see for any visitor to London.
The Palace and Abbey of Westminster have a rich and storied history, dating back to the 11th century. The palace portion was originally built as a residence for the kings and queens of England, while the abbey served as a place of worship and burial for the royal family. Over the years, the complex has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, resulting in its stunning and impressive appearance today.
One of the most famous features of the Palace and Abbey is the towering clock tower known as Big Ben. This iconic landmark is synonymous with London and can be seen from miles away. Visitors can even take a tour of the tower and see the workings of the famous clock.
The Abbey itself is a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring arches, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate decorations. It has been the site of numerous royal weddings, coronations, and funerals, including the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Adjacent to the Abbey is St. Margaret's Church, a beautiful and historic church that has been a place of worship since the 12th century. It is also the final resting place of many notable figures, including Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Isaac Newton.
Visitors can explore the Palace and Abbey through guided tours, which provide insightful information about the history and significance of this landmark. The complex is also home to the Houses of Parliament, where the British government meets and makes important decisions.
Overall, the Palast und Abtei von Westminster mit Margarethenkirche is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in British history, architecture, or culture. With its grandeur, rich history, and iconic status, it is truly a must-see attraction in London.
Westminster Palace, rebuilt from the year 1840 on the site of important medieval remains, is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture. The site – which also comprises the small medieval Church of Saint Margaret, built in Perpendicular Gothic style, and Westminster Abbey, where all the sovereigns since the 11th century have been crowned – is of great historic and symbolic significance.
Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London, England. Since 1066, it has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs and a burial site for 18 English, Scottish, and British monarchs. At least 16 royal weddings have taken place at the abbey since 1100.
Although the origins of the church are obscure, an abbey housing Benedictine monks was on the site by the mid-10th century. The church got its first large building from the 1040s, commissioned by King Edward the Confessor, who is buried inside. Construction of the present church began in 1245 on the orders of Henry III. The monastery was dissolved in 1559, and the church was made a royal peculiar – a Church of England church, accountable directly to the sovereign – by Elizabeth I. The abbey, the Palace of Westminster and St. Margaret's Church became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 because of their historic and symbolic significance.
The church's Gothic architecture is chiefly inspired by 13th-century French and English styles, although some sections of the church have earlier Romanesque styles or later Baroque and modern styles. The Henry VII Chapel, at the east end of the church, is a typical example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture; antiquarian John Leland called it orbis miraculum ("the wonder of the world").
The abbey is the burial site of more than 3,300 people, many prominent in British history: monarchs, prime ministers, poets laureate, actors, scientists, military leaders, and the Unknown Warrior. Due to the fame of the figures buried there, artist William Morris described the abbey as a "National Valhalla".
