This was a big day in London with so many stops. We started the day by visiting the magnificent Westminster Abbey (Anglican = Protestant) where most British kings and queens have been crowned, and the final resting place of many monarchs, heroes, and poets. Princess Diana and Prince Charles then visited the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Near the entrance we walked around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War II. Paper poppies bordered the tomb in the floor representing rebirth.
We then visited the Metropolitan Tabernacle. A screen halfway to the front of the church allows for two survices to be held at the same time.’
More about the Tabernacle:
Highest nave (ceiling) in England
Built over a 100-year period
Chandeliers: Waterford crystal
Tour group concerned that Darwin and Hocking are buried with the Christians.
The floor her is the same big black and white squares as yesterday’s cathedral
As many as 7000 attend a coronation here
We rode our bus to the changing of the guards at Buckingham palace. Traffic was our enemy causing us to use a lot of time to move from place to place in London, although our driver did an excellent job of getting us through. We got their in time to watch riders on horses and the regiment marching out past us in their bright red (hot) uniforms. We were amused to watch a garbage truck wipe up the droppings left by the horses!
The bus drove us past the homes of Prince Charles and Camielle, Winston Churchill’s home, St. James’ palace, Duke of Wellington, and the homes of several other dignitaries near the Buckingham Palace. Several times since we’ve been in London, we’ve driven near or past the round (like a ball) building that is the office of the Muslim Mayor of Longdon.
We drove past many blocks of affordable housing. Patrick explained that it is almost impossible for young folks to get a start in London – their starting income is low and housing is so high, but if you must drive into London each day, you have to pay the huge daily fee.
We stopped and walked through the Bunhill Fields burial grounds.
Our last stop of the day was the Tower of London. A wide moat had surrounded the castle. Charles II had exotic animals in the castle. We stood in line in the hot sun for a very long time. Megan shared her umbrella with me so I could share her shade from the very hot sun. After quite a long time, we reached the cool area housing the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom – impressing. Beth said this opportunity had been on her bucket list for a long time! Our information states that there were 140 royal objects — all, of course, behind glass walls. This collection is the most historically complete in the world. At coronation, the monarch is anointed using holy oil, followed by investiture with robes and ornaments, and finally the royal crown. Wives of kings are crowned as queen consort with a plainer set. The crown is usually worn at State Openings of Parliament. Also regarded as Crowm Jewels are state swords, trumpets, and other ceremonial items. These jewels are on displaiy at the Jewel House, where they are seen by approximaely 2.5 million visitors every year.
The drive back to our rooms at Greenwich went quickly. We took showers and rested, and then joined the group for another supper that was included as part of the tour.
Notes:
To let = toilet
Lidl and Abbi – supermarkets coming to US – save $
Expensive high rise apartments
Catholicism dominated Spain and France – not London
The Normans were Vikings on horseback
Upcoming: 100th anniversary of royal airforce – royal family will attend
London: men’s tailoring; Paris: Women’s fashions
Peggy: walking mostly fine – I’m so thankful
Drove past 1972 original Hard Rock Cafe
A park with lawn chairs that you have to pay to use!
London’s Leftist TV station
1665: bubonic plague – ½ of London’s population died