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St Paul’s Cathedral
Instantly recognizable with its magnificent dome, it was built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed the earlier building. Famous for its Whispering Gallery, views of London can be enjoyed from the Golden Gallery after climbing the 530 steps! Magnificent altar gates, a famous organ and paintings by Sir James Thornhill must be seen. It was also where the Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
Westminster Abbey
This magnificent Abbey was built by King Edward the Confessor who died and was buried within it just one week after it was completed in 1065! It is the traditional site for Coronations and is the burial site for royalty and famous aristocrats. Poet’s Corner has the tombs of Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Chaucer and Blake. The museum in the 11th century vault is also worth visiting.
Southwark Cathedral
The imposing Southwark Cathedral building dates back to 1220, making it the oldest Gothic Cathedral in London, although it was the location of Christian worship even before that date. Beneath a stained glass window dedicated to William Shakespeare who was a worshipper here, is a statue of the writer holding a quill pen. Edmund Shakespeare, his brother, is buried in the churchyard along with several other famous writers and poets. There are several monuments to commemorate Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and a memorial for those drowned in the Thames when their pleasure boat, the Marchioness, was sunk by a dredger, the Bowbelle in 1989.
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