Westminster

Westminster, though typically thought of as part of London, is actually outside the city proper, though it is in what is known as Greater London”.  It is the home of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Parliament of Great Britain.  The name of “Westminster” comes from “West Minster”, the church that gave the area its name, which is located to the south west of London.  Westminster Abbey, as the church is now known, is traditionally the place where all royal coronations take place.  Westminster is widely considered to be the political center of London, and, to a degree, all of Great Britain.  

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, more commonly known as Westminster Abbey, is arguably the most famous building in Westminster.  It was built in the traditional Gothic style, and is an international tourist attraction.  In addition to the Abbey, there is Westminster Cathedral, and the Palace of Westminter.  All are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Most of England’s notable historical figures are buried near Westminster Abbey, including Milton, Gray, Shelley, Burns, and T. S. Eliot in the Poets’ Corner.  Most of these areas are open to the public year round.