Westminster Abbey

This weekend was fairly uneventful, something new for a super bowl weekend. The BBC aired the super bowl, but without any of the commercials and with interludes from British commentators who spent most of their time explaining how the game was played instead of actually discussing the game. We had good group over to our flat, so it was still fun to watch, even if the Eagles weren't in it, the Steelers lost and we had no wings or pizza. You can't win them all, I guess. 

Today for our history of London walking tour we went to Westminster! We met at the tube station by London Bridge and walked from the bridge to Westminster Abbey, where we were set free to explore as we wished. On the way to the Abbey we passed Parliament, Big Ben and the statue of Boudicca. The Boudicca statue was my favorite sight on the way to the Abbey. Boudicca represents the last major stand of the native Britons against the Romans who invaded and set up the trade port of Londinium, modern Day London. After the Romans confiscated the land of her and her husband after his death, Boudicca gathered troops and put up a pretty impressive fight against the Roman forces. She is one of the great figures of ancient British history and is still a national symbol of British pride.

Boudicca

Boudicca

Parliament and Big Ben

When we finally got to Westminster Abbey we were given audio tours and went on our merry way. Jeremy Irons did the narration, making it feel extremely dignified and British. We weren't allowed to take any pictures inside the Abbey, so sadly, I don't have many to post up. My favorite part was the Lady Chapel, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary built by Henry VII. Henry VII built this chapel as a resting place for family. It is amazing ornate. I got goose bumps when I entered it. Elizabeth I is buried there, directly on top of her sister and predecessor Mary Tudor, or Mary I. As something of a Tudor-phile myself, I found the experience of being at Elizabeth I's tomb amazing. Unfortunately the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots was closed off for restoration work, as was the coronation chair. 

The only pictures I was able to get were outside in the cloisters of the Abbey. It was amazing walking through there. I'll admit that the sight of the chapter house, where the monks would do their daily prayers, almost made me cry. This would be the first time the architecture of a building actually pushed me to the edge of tears. Touche Westminster Abbey. 

Entrance to the Abbey

Cloisters

The Chapter House

Exiting the Chapter House

In the nave, the last stop on the tour where the monuments to Galileo and Darwin are located, I found myself tearing up again. There is a very poignant simply black grave surrounded by Poppies called the tomb of the unknown. The body is of an unidentified soldier who was brought back from France after WWI. The soldier is meant to symbolize all of those who died fighting for England during WWI. There were also candles that you could light with prayer cards. I decided to light one in honor of my uncle. It was amazing to be able to send a personal prayer at such a monumental place. 

Westminster Abbey

The Cloisters

Part of the Abbey tour leads into the Abbey Museum. In the museum they have wax effigies of many of the famous people buried at Westminster Abbey. These effigies include Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth I and Admiral Nelson, my ancestor.

Admiral Nelson and I. See the resemblance? 

It was great fun going to Westminster Abbey. I hope we can go back when the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots is open! Tonight we are seeing Frankenstein at the National Theatre, which I am very excited for!