Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the historic building to which every visitor goes sooner or later. It was founded in 1050 as a monastery. Later it was rebuilt, by Henry III. In the 18th century the West Towers were added. The present building dates from about 1480. As the scene of coronation of English kings, Westminster Abbey continues a tradition established by William the Conqueror who was crowned on Christmas Day, 1066. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1952, the ritual was essentially the same although the architectural setting had changed. Westminster Abbey is in the centre of London. Many great Englishmen are buried in the Abbey: Newton, Darvin, Watt and others. Here we can see a lot of monuments to and tombs of great men. There is a corner usually called "Poets' Corner", where the famous British poets lie. Near the West Door of the Abbey the Unknown Warrior lies in a simple grave. St. Paul’s Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral is the City's greatest monument and Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Sir Christopher Wren was the most famous of all English architects. St. Paul's Cathedral was built in 1675 - 1708 and was the fifth church put on the same site. The earliest cathedral was erected in 604. The second, built in stone 675 - 685, was burned by the Danes in 962, and the third was destroyed by fire in 1087. The Normans rebuilt it in 1180. After its destruction in the Great Fire in London in 1666, it was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. During World War II it was hit by enemy bombs, one of which destroyed the High Altar. Although destroyed in World War II, it exists and is now seen and used by people.
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