Westminster Abbey-London

In April 2011, the world witnessed history.  Prince William and Kate Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey in London, England.  People from all over the world were watching this event, whether it be on the streets of England, or in front of their televisions in the United States.  In December 2010, I was lucky enough to have walked through Westminster Abbey, and let me tell you, it was an experience I will never forget.

London in December is not what you would call warm.  It was actually pretty damp and when the wind started, it was downright cold.  It's very important to arrive at the Abbey before it opens,to avoid those dreadful lines. Our tour began at 9, so we figured we would get there at 850 and we would be one of the firsts in line.  Were we ever wrong.  People were lining up at 830! In the cold and damp weather, there was already a line that went over a block long.
Finally the doors opened up.  As you walk in, the sights completely overtake you.  There is an option to have a voice guided tour, which I recommend you take.  They give you a hand held device that speaks in your ear, along with a map, which tells you about everything you come across at the Abbey.
My personal favorite was the choir and its choral area.  The choir wasn’t present at the time of the tour, but as you are walking in this area, the choir is a songbird in your ear.  The intricate woodworking of the choral area is stupendous.  
All of the history that has been made at the Abbey, such as various royal weddings, funerals, and other services, stretches back hundreds of years.  Not only is it used for religious ceremonies and services, but the Abbey is also a monument to numerous famous people.  Some of the names you will recognize, like various literary names such as Chaucer, and Dickens, while others, you may not.  It is simply amazing to see the plaques and monuments that are dedicated to these famous people.
Whether you are going to the Abbey for the Religious symbolism, the historic significance, or just to see where numerous royals have made their nuptials, it is a place you must visit and tour on your visit to London.  Rain or shine, cold or warm…there is never a bad time to visit Westminster Abbey!