The London portion of the trip was a mix of greatest hits (Westminster Abbey, Tower of London) and new things we hadn't done (Churchill War Rooms, RIB speedboat, James Bond Tour). There is so much to do in London, and we sure didn't have time to do it all, but the last of the greatest hits on our itinerary was St. Paul's Cathedral.
I've already talked a little about how inspiring St. Paul's was during WWII. Located on Ludgate Hill, which is the highest point in the City of London (which is only one square mile), the original church on the site dated back to 604. The great architect built the cathedral after the Great London Fire of 1666. The fire lasted four days and destroyed the City of London, as well as parts of London to the west.
Given how destructive it was, I'm not sure why it was named the Great Fire of London. Doesn't seem so "great" to me -- it seems horrendous. That would be a better name for it: The Horrific Fire of London.
(Editor: Surely you can't be serious! Writer: I am serious, and don't call me Shirley.)
(Editor: You set me up! Writer: Not bad, huh?)
The Cathedral was the tallest building in London for 253 years, until 1963 when another building surpassed it.
(Editor: Yes, Glen, that's usually how it works. One is the tallest until it is surpassed. Writer: You mock my pain. Editor: Life is pain, and it's time to stop the movie references, no matter how great movies like "Airplane" and "The Princess Bride" really are.)
Of the 50+ churches built by Wren after the Horrific Fire of London, St. Paul's is the most recognizable.
Funerals held at St. Paul's include Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher. It's where the now King Charles III wedded Lady Diana. Celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II were held her for jubilees and birthdays. Services honoring the end of both World Wars. It is quite a location.
We spent a fair amount of time wandering through.
No comments:
Post a Comment