Westminster Abbey was a grand and beautiful place to walk through and soak up the history. It’s crazy to think that I was standing in a building that has been around since 1066. Before America was even a thing.
The architecture alone was wildly impressive. The carvings and paintings were so intentional and delicate. I loved the patterned flooring in the main church that nobody knows what it’s supposed to be. Some think that it’s supposed to represent the heavens, and others believe it’s there to tell people where to stand. Regardless, it was intricate and breathtaking.
I also loved where they had the statues to represent the current knights. I find it sweet that they include something that represents a unique personality trait or interest of each knight. I also really loved the way they recognized one of the fallen, before he is replaced with a new knight.
Out front, there is a statue of William Shakespeare. They wanted to have him buried with the poets at Westminster Abbey but he said no and was very specific that he only wanted to be buried in Stratford-upon-Avon. Of course, poetic in death that damn Shakespeare guy. I think it’s nice that they at least made a statue to memorialize him as one of the greats.
I also saw that Charles Dickens is buried there. I am a new fan of his after London Tide has put me onto his work. It’s cool to know that he was also recognized by the church by one of the greats, and honored in his death.
Maybe my favorite part was seeing the tomb of Mary Queen of Scotts. I have been obsessed with the show ‘Reign’ that is based off of her for years and I felt like such a little fangirl. I think her story is so interesting as well as her death at the hands of her beloved Queen Elizabeth.
Theatre in London U of A 