After pausing outside for a moment, Leo followed the tourists and purchased a ticket to enter Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is entirely made of stone and consists of two main parts: the church and the monastery. It includes the nave, transepts, and bell tower.
Passing through the arched dome at the entrance of the church, walking through solemn yet somewhat dim corridors, Leo’s eyes suddenly brightened as he entered the luxurious and splendid interior hall.
The church’s wide and lofty interior is intricately designed, with a magnificent dome adorned with dazzling chandeliers that emit a radiant glow.
The floor is covered with luxurious and splendid red carpets, leading all the way to the vibrant red velvet altar, decorated in gold and brilliance. This is where royal coronations and weddings take place.
Inside, there are many buildings dedicated to deceased monarchs, such as the Henry VII Chapel. The central Edward Shrine in the St. Edward Chapel, built in 1269, is a place of pilgrimage for visitors from all over the world.
Surrounding the main shrine are tombs of Henry III and other kings, forming a museum of sculptures from different eras. The Henry V Tomb at the eastern end is particularly renowned for its exquisite carvings.
The original purpose of building Westminster Abbey was not as a burial ground for British kings, but in fact, more than 20 kings from Henry III to George II are buried here.
On the west side of St. Edward Chapel stands the famous Coronation Chair of Edward I, elevated on a platform in front of the altar.
Underneath the chair lies a stone called the “Stone of Scone,” which was originally the traditional coronation seat of Scottish kings and symbolized their power. In 1297, Edward I brought it to London.
In front of the altar, there is a high-backed chair known as the “Chair of Estates,” on which emperors have sat during their coronations. It is said that this chair has a history of over 700 years.
Underneath the seat of the chair is a large stone known as the “Stone of Destiny,” which Edward I looted in the 13th century.
Within the church, there is also a special chapel.
It is considered special because this chapel is not dedicated to monarchs but to the Royal Air Force soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the “Battle of Britain.”
The stained glass windows of this chapel depict the emblems of 68 air force squadrons that participated in the war.
This injects a sense of strength and solemnity into the opulent royal surroundings.
Unfortunately, some areas inside the church are off-limits and guarded by personnel.
Among the crowd of visitors are tour guides who explain as they walk, providing Leo with a wealth of previously unknown knowledge.
Next, he visits the south and east sides of the church.
The south side of the church is the Benedictine monastery of the Catholic Church, founded in the 13th century. It is a square courtyard surrounded by open arcades, with many ancillary buildings around it.
In addition, on the southeast side of the monastery courtyard, there is a treasury hall and an underground chapel.
The latter is a rectangular hall that now serves as a monastery museum. Inside, statues of kings, queens, and nobles are displayed in open coffins for people to pay their respects during funerals.
These statues were created based on facial molds after death, making them lifelike and realistic.
Among them, the statue of Edward III is the oldest, while the statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, a vice admiral in the British Navy, is the most exquisite.
Nelson is hailed as an embodiment of maritime authority and is one of Britain’s most outstanding naval commanders. He achieved a great victory over Napoleon in a naval battle, ultimately leading to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo.
The colonnade of Westminster Abbey is grand and solemn, with beautifully carved arches, exquisite decorations, and colorful stained glass windows. The towering twin towers make the entire building both magnificent and serene, considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in England.
At the eastern end of the church, which is also the end of its central axis, was originally Madonna Chapel but was later destroyed.
In the early 16th century, a larger chapel was built in its place the famous Henry VII Chapel which represents one of the most outstanding examples of medieval English architecture.
The chapel itself is like a small church with an independent nave and two side aisles, with a tomb at one end.
Its enormous fan vaulting and inverted crystalline limestone vaulted ceiling are boldly designed and ingeniously conceived. The unique rib patterns make it a highlight of the entire structure.
The walls are filled with niches containing 95 statues.
This chapel is exquisitely decorated and considered “the most beautiful place in all Christian countries.”
The grand cathedral stands adjacent to the majestic Palace of Westminster and the towering Big Ben clock tower against the backdrop of the blue sky.
The River Thames flows gently past Westminster, nurturing the souls of 4, 000 ancestors resting underground in the cathedral.
Leo continued his tour until almost closing time at six o’clock before finally leaving the church.
This visit to Westminster Abbey was worthwhile even without considering any possible treasures inside.
After strolling along the River Thames for a while and finding something to eat nearby to satisfy his hunger, Leo retraced his steps back to his hotel.