Westminster Abbey

Had a lovely tour of the Abbey this week.  For those who don't know, this is the place where Prince William and Kate got married.  I learned that the best time to go was just a bit before closing time. The crowds are smaller and the staff are more likely to open areas that are normally closed to the public.

One of the interesting things about this abbey is that when you are walking around, the floor will change and there below your feet will be a burial of some famous dead person.  Some have been there so long that the inscription is completely worn from people's shoes.  You are not allowed to take pictures but I found these images of my favorites online.


The exterior.


Oddly enough, she shares a room with her sister Queen Mary (aka Bloody Mary).  They fought over religion.


The inscription says "Partners both in throne and grave, here rest we two sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, in the hope of one resurrection."


Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.


Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor.  I was lucky enough to catch a quick tour into this area.  Because of how old this place is (finished building it in 1065), they don't normally allow people in here.  The ground is worn from people praying on their knees in front of the alter.


Henry VII's Lady Chapel: This area of the Abbey is beautifully designed and was meant to be the burial spot of the Tudor Royals.

The roof is breathtaking.


Poets' Corner:  In this area many famous writers and artists are burried.


The floor in Poets Corner.
Some of the more famous artists include Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens.  Others are commemorated (not buried but recognized.  These include William Shakespeare, Jane Ausen  and Lewis Carroll.


The Coronation Chair.  This chair was built in 1296 and has been used in all Royal coronations since 1308.  That's a lot of royal butts!