England: The Tower of London
In Under Fire Ruth Brown follows clues from her tiny New Hampshire village to London. Having rarely left her town, and never traveling to large New England cities like Boston, she was overwhelmed by the crush of people, tangled roads where vehicles drove on the “wrong side” of the street, and an intricate system of underground trains known as the Tube. She saw thousand-year-old buildings standing shoulder to shoulder with “modern” structures such as the BBC building that was dedicated in 1932.
Located on a twelve-acre plot on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and resented as a symbol of oppression by the new Norman ruling class. From 1100 to 1952, the castle was also used as a prison, housing some of England’s most famous and infamous inmates. Rather than being one structure, The Tower of London is a complex of several buildings located within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. Over its history, there were phases of expansion, mostly in the 12th and 13th centuries.
England: Views across the Thames from the Tower
One of London’s iconic sites, Tower bridge is both a suspension and a “bascule” (AKA drawbridge) bridge and can be seen from the Tower of London. Built to provide better access to the East End of London where the commercial district had greatly expanded, construction began in 1886 and finished in 1894. Originally hydraulically powered, the operating mechanism was converted to electro-hydraulic in 1972. Queen Victoria’s son Edward, Prince of Wales and his wife Alexandra, Princess of Wales opened the bridge upon its completion.
Two 213-foot towers are connected by two horizonal walkways accessible via an elevator or two hundred (!) stairs. The bridge is eight-hundred feet in length. Unfortunately, with my fear of heights, I was only able to admire this architectural marvel from afar.
England: Hyde Park
Established by King Henry VIII in 1536, Hyde Park is the largest of the parks and green spaces that stretch from Kensington Park to St. James Park. Initially used as hunting grounds, the park opened to the public in 1637. Wife of King George II, Queen Caroline made major improvements during her lifetime. Unfortunately, the park became a popular location for duels, but on a brighter note, The Great Exhibition of 1851 was held on the grounds. It was at this time the Crystal Palace was erected.
England: Westminster Abbey and Big Ben
Officially named the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, Westminster Abbey housed Benedictine monks on the site since the 10th century. An Anglican church, the Abbey has been the location of England's coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066. According to Wikipedia, at least sixteen weddings have taken place there. King Henry III began construction on the current building in 1245, and in 1559 the monastery was dissolved. The church was made a "church peculiar," a Church of England church accountable directly to the sovereign - at that time Queen Elizabeth I. More than 3,300 people are buried there, some of England's most famous sons and daughters.
Most people think "Big Ben" is the name of this iconic tower that soars over London, however, the nickname actually refers to the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster. Originally known as the Clock Tower, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Completed in 1859, the tower stands 316 feet tall with 334 steps from entrance to the belfry. The clock dials are more than twenty-two feet in diameter. It is a "striking clock" with five bells.
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