Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
London, England
29.10.2008
The Palace and Abbey of Westminster with Saint Margaret's Church – A Marvel of Gothic Architecture in London
The Palace and Abbey of Westminster with Saint Margaret's Church, located in the heart of London, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site that is steeped in history and architectural grandeur. This complex, which includes the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and the Church of St. Margaret, is a symbol of the power and influence of the British monarchy.
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, has been the seat of the British government for over 900 years. Originally a royal residence, it was first used as a parliament in 1295. Over the centuries, the palace has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, resulting in its current Gothic Revival style, designed by architect Charles Barry in the 19th century.
The most iconic feature of the Palace of Westminster is the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, which houses the famous bell that chimes the hour. The tower, along with the rest of the palace, has been featured in numerous films and television shows, making it a recognizable landmark around the world.
Adjacent to the Palace of Westminster is the magnificent Westminster Abbey, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. This church has been the site of coronations and royal weddings, including the recent marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. It is also the final resting place of many notable figures, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Charles Dickens.
Lastly, the Church of St. Margaret, located beside Westminster Abbey, is the parish church of the House of Commons and is the final resting place of many members of Parliament.
Visitors to the Palace and Abbey of Westminster can tour the buildings and learn about their rich history and significance. The intricate Gothic architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and intricate carvings are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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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, musicians, 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".
