As one of the most remarkable religious structures in the United Kingdom; Westminster Abbey has been the home of Royal occasions including burials, memorials, coronations and weddings. Nicholas Hawksmoor built the two western towers of the Abbey between 1722 and 1745. He used two materials to build the structure: Portland stone and Purbeck marable (used for the walls and floors). Later, in the 19th Century, restoration and further rebuilding took place under the supervision of Sir George Gilbert Scott. The ring is made up of ten bells; which were modernised in 1971. The bells are tuned to the notes: F#, E, D, C#, B, A, G, F#, E and D. The weight of the tenor bell in D is 1544kg. The architectural style of the Abbey is Gothic, and is a revival of the old design.
buckingham palace Located in the City of Westminster; Buckingham Palace is the principal workplace and home to the monarchy of the United Kingdom. The palace is the prime place for royal hospitality and state occasions. The building was enlarged during the 19th Century by architects forming three wings around the central courtyard. When Queen Victoria came to power in 1837; the palace became the official royal home of the British Monarch. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the last additional structures took place. These included the East Front which holds the famous balcony; well-known for Royal family’s tradition of congregating to greet crowds.This is most associated with Royal weddings.
Situated at the North end of the Palace of Westminster; Big Ben is the nickname of the bell within the tower. It was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012; in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Before this, it’s official name was the Clock Tower. Holding the second largest four-faced clock in the world; the tower was finished in 1858. It’s 150th anniversary was 31st May 2009. It is one of the most associated architectural symbols of London. Along with the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey; the tower was built in a Neo-Gothic style. The tower is 315 feet high and leans slightly northwest. An iron frame, 23 feet in diameter, holds the dials of the clock. 312 pieces of opal glass create a stained glass window effect supported by the frame.