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Westminster Abbey

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Madeleine
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Westminster Abbey

Post by Madeleine » Fri November 1st, 2013, 12:46 pm

I visited the Abbey on Wednesday, and I love all Gothic cathedrals and this one is exceptionally stunning - even Henry VIII spared it from the Dissolution. It's apparently the tallest in the UK, and is stunning inside - it's best feature is the Lady Chapel, which has a wonderfully carved ceiling, and the tombs of several royals, such as Richard II, Eleanor of Castile, Edward II (who founded the original Abbey), and Henrys V and VII (both of which are truly spectacular), as well as Poets' Corner and the famous Cosmati pavement.
Currently reading "The Whitstable Pearl Mystery" by Julie Wassmer

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Susan
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Post by Susan » Fri November 1st, 2013, 11:11 pm

I agree that the Abbey is mighty impressive, but Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire in the UK. I had a difficult time fitting the entire spire in a photo! Westminster Abbey does not have a spire, but the towers at the west entrance are 225 feet tall. Salisbury Cathedral's tower is 209 feet tall, and the spire is 404 feet tall. I am pretty sure that St. Paul's Cathedral in London is taller than Westminster Abbey. I think it was the tallest structure in London until sometime in the 20th century.
~Susan~
~Unofficial Royalty~
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Madeleine
Bibliomaniac
Posts: 5859
Joined: August 2008
Currently reading: "The Whitstable Pearl Mystery" by Julie Wassmer
Preferred HF: Plantagenets, Victorian, crime, dual time-frame
Location: Essex/London

Post by Madeleine » Sat November 2nd, 2013, 5:18 pm

Yes I think St Paul's was the tallest (maybe in the City skyline) til they built the Nat West Tower and, of course, now there's the Shard.
Currently reading "The Whitstable Pearl Mystery" by Julie Wassmer

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