Westminster - A Historical Hotspot in London

By Mark Hamilton


Westminster is one of London's most visited regions. It is the home of the Palace of Westminster, as well as the Parliamentary Buildings and is less than half a mile from the City of London.

Originally, the name of Westminster itself referenced the very small section of land surrounding the abbey, but this was significantly expanded during 1965 to encompass the much larger areas consisting of Marylebone and Paddington.

In modern times, the largely residential Westminster is home to families who have resided there for generations. Council estates have also been built over the years, considerably increasing the population.

Westminster is a great place to visit for everyone, though history enthusiasts may feel especially at home, with its many historic buildings and world famous landmarks. Westminster is a top destination for tourists and visitors in London.

Westminster Abbey, where some of the country's most distinguished historical figures are buried, also hosts paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles and other artefacts. The tombs and memorials combined make up the most substantial collection of monumental sculpture in the United Kingdom.

The peaceful and stunning College Gardens, within Westminster Abbey can be accessed free of charge, without paying to go into the abbey and are open from Tuesday to Thursday, unless other scheduled events are taking place.

The Palace of Westminster is perhaps one of the most well recognised buildings worldwide. Its stunning Gothic architecture was designed by the 19th century architect Sir Charles Barry. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also Grade I listed. The palace is both unique and fascinating, in the fact that there is a fabulous diversity of both ancient and modern buildings, housing iconic works of art, archives and various historic furnishings.

The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower are commonly called Big Ben; without a doubt one of London's most iconic landmarks. Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the name of the enormous bell within the clock tower, which weighs in excess of 13 tons (13,760kg). When the four clock faces are illuminated at night, the clock tower looks spectacular.

Big Ben often used to refer to the tower, clock and bell, although this name was originally given to the Great Bell. Completed in 1859, The Elizabeth Tower houses the Great Clock, which started on the 31 May, and the Great Bell's strikes were first heard on the 11 July, with the quarter bells chimed for the first time on the 7 September.

Visitors wanting to avoid the great abundance of tourists around Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament area should go via Dean's Yard, turning left onto Great College Street, opposite the gardens. There, the Buxton Memorial Fountain, together with the well known statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, can be found.

On the corner of Victoria Street and Broadway are Christchurch Gardens, the remnants of the former burial ground for St Margaret's, Westminster. The infamous Thomas Blood, who attempted to steal the Crown Jewels, is amongst the many well known figures buried there. Do people sitting in those gardens know there are bodies beneath their feet?




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