A trip I made in the fall of 2019 to England yielded a wondrous lesson
in history and awe-inspiring events. Long ago I researched the founding of the American
Colonies for various written works, of which England is its natural birthright.
A visit here brought to light much in the area of historical
facts as well as awakening a desire to bring forth the history of our nation’s founding
after walking the grounds of the ones who began it all.
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| Westminster Abbey |
Foremost is Westminster Abbey – England’s most famous cathedral
and home to coronations,
weddings, and the final resting place of the famous including
17 British monarchs (such as all of the Tudors except Henry VIII), and other notables
like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens. This church was a must-see on my
list of historical sites in England and worth not only the admission but also
the extra cost to see the special exhibit in the upper halls of the cathedral
known as the Galleries. The audio tour provides historical insight into the many
places within the church and is included in the admission. But I recommend also picking
up a copy of the short tour guidebook just for the pictures (of which photography
inside the building is not allowed).
Famous sites within the cathedral include:
The Nave – Home to a memorial commemorating the unknown
warrior and the coronation chair used in every coronation since Henry IV, of which
one can imagine the great monarchs of old receiving the crown while occupying
this chair.
The Quire – a grand altar and exquisite Cosmati work of
paving, done from 1268, it is the place of coronations. It is also the place of
burial for several English kings including the notorious Edward Longshanks (of Braveheart
fame), Henry III, and Henry V.
The Lady Chapel – a side chamber houses the elaborate tomb
of Elizabeth I – the monarch who saw the rise of colonization in North America with
expeditions that included the Lost Colony at Roanoke (which I have brought to
life in my writings!). Buried with her is her half-sister,
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| Tomb of Elizabeth I |
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries – The highlight of the
visit required an extra ticket but ended up a must-see. The galleries above the
main floor of the cathedral where one can gaze down upon the various parts of
the church provided a fascinating vantage point. Within the galleries one gazes
upon effigies in wax and wood of the actual faces of monarchs of old. Without photography
and except for paintings, these are the only visuals one has of famous people
that lived so long ago. Documents such as the Magna Carta are on the display here
as well as the marriage license of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Simply amazing
history. See the Video
Walking within these halls, one cannot help but be in awe as this houses those that saw the creation of what is now the United States of
America.
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