A trip to London would be incomplete without seeing the grandiose and spectacular Westminster Abbey. This church is closing is on a thousand years since it was first built on the grounds of an older shrine that was established in the early 7th century. The modern Abbey, officially called the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, was built between 1045 and 1065 by Edward the Confessor. And after the conquest of Britain by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Abbey has been the site of every coronation up to the modern time.

Walking through the Abbey is an interesting experience. Despite its function as a church with daily services, it is also a place where the lines of monarchs and other distinguished people are buried.

After entering through the North Entrance doors, you wind your way through the Abbey. In addition to the tombs and shrines, there is also a small museum that contains royal and funeral effigies, medieval glass. Nearby is the coronation chair that has been used for coronations since the time of King Edward I in 1296.

Continuing around the Abbey are other chambers and rooms that are interesting to spend time in. Also, within the grounds are the College Gardens that have been under continuous cultivation for the past 900 years.

Overall, Westminster Abbey is an historical icon. From the gothic architecture to the long line of nobles buried within its walls. I would certainly recommend seeing this place while visiting London.

You can get to the Abbey by Underground on the District or Circle Line to St. James Park or on the Jubilee & Circle Line to Westminster. The Abbey is also not open to tourists on Sundays since that is reserved only for worshipping services. And finally, the Abbey closes by mid afternoon on most days, so plan your trip to it accordingly.

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