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It may be one of the most recognizable sights in the world - the Palace of Westminster on the Thames. Technically, it is not in London proper, the area defined by the old Roman walls, the square mile, but it is probably the first image that flashes into the mind of anyone when you say "London." Westminster, the palace and the Abbey are our "w" stop in Alphabet Soup. This view is, obviously, from ground level across the river

This view is also from across the river, aboard, the now famous "London Eye" - that enormous "ferris wheel" build by British Airways as a part of the year 2000 celebration in London. It affords some incredible views of the whole city.

This picture illustrates one of the biggest problems with these architectural gems -- being in the middle of a very crowded city as they are, vistas are difficult to achieve.

One of the facts I find most fascinating is that despite its rock solid identification with all things British, and the amazing antiquity of Britain, the Big Ben Westminster Palace you see is not all that old. Finished only in the reign of Queen Victoria. The previous palace burned down and only a single hall of that structure remains.

The Abbey is, really, quite remarkable. Being slightly off the river, vistas are much harder to find than they are for the palace, which is to my mind a shame. While on the exterior it is not all that different from large churches constructed contemporaneously elsewhere, it is a nonetheless beautiful building and difficult to appreciate in its setting. Although as you can see, it can be quite overpowering when standing close.

Of course, its what inside that really matters with this church. The place of coronation, the burial ground for kings and queens, and other notables, walking through the Abbey is almost literally a walk through history. One comment I must make. It is an obvious tourist draw, and they do a fine job of accomodating them. But it remains a functioning church. Every hour a short prayer is offered from the pulpit. In our visit, most of the touring crowd did not honor that prayer with either stillness or silence, which made me very sad. I have been in many houses of other religions, and it is possible to enjoy them and not interfere with the worship of those present - apparently unless it is a Christian house.

OK, rant over. Though hardly the only major structure with flying butresses, the Abbey has them as well, and they fascinate me. This picture was taken while waiting in line to enter Westminster Palace and it is the back end of the Abbey.

Notre Dame in Paris is probably recognized as the most elegant use of the architectural element, but I really liked the way they are just sort of "there" on the Abbey, and how they are right next to the street.

Westminster is probably more thought of as London than London itself - technically it a 'burb. London has an amazing history of independence therefore, royalty has always had to set up shop on its perimeter, so it is bracketed on the west by what we see here and on the east by the Tower of London. It is an amazing history dating back to the Roman Empire.

Related Tags: Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, London, England, Britain, United Kingdom, Parliament