Westminster Abbey

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster,  more popularly known Westminster Abbey, is one of the icons of London, England and one of my favorite places to visit. The building is absolutely gorgeous as it’s Gothic structures tower above. It was first founded in 616 by fisherman with a vision who made a shrine. Worship has been held on this location for over a thousand years, clearly not always in this building though. Originally it was a group of Benedictine monks that located on the site and began their daily rituals. They built an abbey in the 730′s. This building was replaced in 1045 by Edward the Confessor.  The building we know today was begun by Henry III who began the process of knocking down and rebuilding the abbey into the form we are familiar with today. This process took 260 years!  The Abbey itself has been the site of coronations since the coronation of William the Conqueror on Christmas day in 1066. A majority of monarchs have been crowned here since then. Parts of the bible were translated here.  Monarchs lay in repose here. Some other famous British dignitaries now permanently reside here as well. Needless to say, Westminster Abbey is a treasure trove of history!

This picture was taken on my first trip to London in 2008. One of my favorite things to do on ANY trip is walk and explore. Why ride in a tube below ground where you can’t see all the sites that London has to offer when I can walk it!?! I took this picture while walking back to the hotel near Victoria Station on my last night in London. It was a beautiful night and I got some great picture. Amazingly enough,  these were on a Canon Powershot. I would love to go back and take some pictures on my DSLR now. Hopefully that will happen soon. Anyway, back to this picture. It was taken on my last night in London and was one of the last photos I took that night. I love the lighting in it. It just flames my imagination. It shows the strength and mystery of this building. It has been through so much and continues to stand up against the night and against time.

If you ever get the chance to visit London, I highly encourage it. There are so many treasures, architectural and other types, can be found everywhere! I can’t wait to go back! Oh yea, I love the Fish n’ Chips as well. Have you been there before? What was your favorite part of London?

Make it a GREAT day!

-Mr. DAPs