11/1/2022     by Justin Gibson

Highlights of Historic London

While the cityscape continues to drastically skew toward the modern, pockets of Britain’s fabled history are still bountiful all throughout London. Taking a detour from roaring soccer games or bustling streets sees you time-traveling back to eras of knights, queens, kings and Crown Jewels. The next time you find yourself in this international bastion of contemporary, make time to seek out just a few of these highlights of historic London.

 

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has a storied spot in the British Empire’s history: Every monarch since William the Conqueror (circa 1066) has been crowned here — save for the odd Edward. Every square inch of the structure is chock full of meaning: Beyond the sanctuary lie shrines (such as the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor), graves of grave importance (besides the royals, you’ll find famous poets and scientists like Charles Dickens and Sir Isaac Newton) as well as a whole host of traditional (albeit ornate) church trappings — the High Altar, the Quire, the Chapter House and the Pyx Chamber are all staples of houses of the holy.

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In addition to serving as a site for royal coronations, Westminster Abbey has been the location for 17 royal weddings.

Tower of London

Formally “Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London,” the Tower of London has had a greater role in Britain than its morbid dungeon reputation lets on. Besides being a prison for nearly a millennium, it has also been an armory, treasury, menagerie, public record office and of course — a museum for all the above. A visit here today no longer means just the chance to see the chopping block, but rather an opportunity to journey through the fortress’s eclectic yesteryears, as well as get a glimpse of the fabled Crown Jewels.

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The most secure castle in the land, the Tower guarded royal possessions and even the royal family in times of war.

Palace of Westminster

As the picturesque center of government for the United Kingdom along the River Thames’ bank, the Palace of Westminster’s historical significance extends well into the current day (Brexit — yikes). However, the hubbub of running the country bears plenty worth witnessing: Visitors are welcome to attend debates and committees in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Beyond the current day, tours will walk you through the passages of time all the way back to the Magna Carta — and up to sweeping views atop Elizabeth Tower.
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The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Convinced a getaway to Great Britain is in your future? You’d be wise to pick Princess Cruises as your ticket to this enchanted land. The benefits are myriad — their focus on immersive destinations means you’re delving deeper into discovering places than you ever could on your own and their onboard dining serving fresh regional cuisine delights your taste buds inbetween the places you travel. And with expansive itineraries, you can be certain that every port you visit will be full of adventure — imagine discovering all the above, but it’s only a breezy day trip from Southampton on Day 1 of your vacay! The likes of Cork, Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; and Holyhead, Wales, still await.

Connect with a travel agent to book your next adventure with Princess today.

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