The engine room for Tower Bridge - we took an elevator up the one tower, across the middle - where they had pictures and notes about the most famous bridges in the world - we had walked across or driven at least 7 of the 20!
Westminster Abbey - we toured this another day and no photography was allowed, but this place was amazing! It's where Prince William and Duchess Kate were married, where all the Royal Coronations take place - Queen Elizabeth's was the last one. Princess Diana was married here. Around the Nave of the church was a bunch of smaller chapels and mostly final resting places for past Royalty. I was a little shocked they were holding a sacrament service while all the tourist were wondering around - it was open to any of who wanted to participate. I felt like an intruder just watching such a sacred event happening in front of thousands of tourists. Maybe that's just me.
From the time of the coronations of King Harold and William the Conqueror, all coronations of British monarchs have been held in the Abbey. The St. Edward’s Chair, the throne on which monarchs are seated while being crowned, is contained within the Abbey and used at all coronations from 1308. The Abbey was later rebuilt in honour of Edward the Confessor, the Royal Saint, by Henry III. Edward the Confessor’s relics were enshrined in the sanctuary and today lie in a burial vault in front of the High Altar.
source - the high alter where they are standing was roped off from the public. A picture similar to this is on the front of the brochure you pick up for the tour.
Check out the detail - every inch of the building has some carving or symbol.
I was a smidge obsessed with Big Ben - it's just amazing! And it night - wow.....more of that to come, but this was our first view of it. It's across the street from Westminster Abbey and part of the Parliament building - which was closed so we didn't get to view any government in action....bummer. Across the bridge is the London Eye and Aquarium.
