As we continue to melt in the heatwave, we take cool shelter within the Westminster Abbey. The treasured memorials showed just how much theatre has meant to those in London. Actors and playwrights littered the grounds. Oscar Wilde, being one of the many playwrights memorialized at the Abbey, caught my attention. Due to the criticism and jailing of Wilde due to his homosexuality, he wasn’t memorialized until much later. Oscar Wilde wrote brilliant comedies and had some of the best final words I’ve ever heard. On his death bed he said, “my wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has got to go.” Famous English actor, Lawrence Olivier, was also memorialized here. However, while he is not buried at the Abbey, his ashes were spread there. Having been known for his Shakespearean roles, Olivier was memorialized near Shakespeare himself. That brings us to the man, the myth, the legend himself; William Shakespeare. While he’s memorialized in the Westminster Abbey, he is buried in Stratford-Upon-Avon where he was born and retired. However, his play writing career thrived here in London.
Aside from all the history within the Westminster Abbey, the architecture was absolutely beautiful. The archways and stained glass were breathtaking. There were absolutely stunning loggias surrounding a the gardens. They had the perfect breeze flowing through them along with a beautiful view of the Abbey. You could see the top of the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben as well. Some good music or a book could have kept me there all day.
Learning the history of such an important place was fascinating. The contrast that the old architecture has against the modern aspects of the city ceases to amaze me. It created such a beautiful contradiction of style and time period.
Theatre in London U of A 