Great Landmarks and Buildings in the UK
September 18th, 2009 | by Kert |
Darrell F asked:
The UK has a very long history stretching back over centuries over which time many great landmarks have been constructed across the country. Some like Stonehenge are ancient and mysterious; others like One Canada house are monuments to modern engineering skills. There are so many great landmarks spread across the land that it may take a life time to see them all, from historic pubs like the old pirates haunt on Dartmoor, Jamaica Inn to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol there are so many great structures and sights to see in every corner of the UK. There are many natural landmarks such as the tips of the nation at Lands End and John O’Groats. Cheddar Gorge is a beautiful landmark in Somerset with a fascinating cave network. Landmarks are never static with new and interesting features appearing all the time such as the Angel of the North on the A1 near Gateshead or Salford’s Lowery building. In truth most of the finest buildings and landmarks are located in the nation’s capital and offer the best selection of fine buildings and landmark sites in the country. Big Ben, with 13.5 tonnes of metal making up the five bells of the famous belfry at the Palace of Westminster is not, as commonly assumed, the clock tower. Today it is also commonly referred to as Big Ben, but that designation is actually incorrect. Officially, the tower is The Clock Tower or St. Stephen’s Tower. Tower of London (Tower Hill), is a built in medieval times, fortified complex of several buildings along the Thames. With the fortress armoury (strong house), royal palace and prison, built especially for prisoners of higher standing. Today the Tower is a tourist attraction, partly because the British crown jewels are exhibited in the Tower. But also the building itself, a weapons collection and a part of the walls of the ancient Roman city of Londinium. Due to its historical significance in 1988 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site. Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace Road) is the official residence of the British monarch in London. In addition to its role as home of Queen Elizabeth II, it also serves as a venue for official functions of the state. In addition, it is a major attraction for tourists. St. Paul’s Cathedral (St Paul’s Churchyard) is located in the City of London district about 300 meters north of the Thames. It is the principal church of the diocese of London, the Anglican Church. The St. Paul’s Cathedral is frequently the scene of important state ceremonies, such as the 1806 state funeral for Lord Nelson to the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, 1981; Lady Diana and Prince Charles married in the cathedral. For Americans it has a familiar look as it is the design on which the white House is based. Westminster Abbey (Bridge Street) is traditionally where the kings of England are crowned and buried. The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster belongs to the Church of England, but is not functioning, but it is the official Royal church (”royal peculiar”) of the British monarchy. Wherever you travel in the UK you can be sure to not be far from a natural or manmade landmark of historical or cultural interest. The city of Chester has a great buildings which have benefitted from civil engineering in Chester and building design in Cheshire.
JARROD
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The UK has a very long history stretching back over centuries over which time many great landmarks have been constructed across the country. Some like Stonehenge are ancient and mysterious; others like One Canada house are monuments to modern engineering skills. There are so many great landmarks spread across the land that it may take a life time to see them all, from historic pubs like the old pirates haunt on Dartmoor, Jamaica Inn to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol there are so many great structures and sights to see in every corner of the UK. There are many natural landmarks such as the tips of the nation at Lands End and John O’Groats. Cheddar Gorge is a beautiful landmark in Somerset with a fascinating cave network. Landmarks are never static with new and interesting features appearing all the time such as the Angel of the North on the A1 near Gateshead or Salford’s Lowery building. In truth most of the finest buildings and landmarks are located in the nation’s capital and offer the best selection of fine buildings and landmark sites in the country. Big Ben, with 13.5 tonnes of metal making up the five bells of the famous belfry at the Palace of Westminster is not, as commonly assumed, the clock tower. Today it is also commonly referred to as Big Ben, but that designation is actually incorrect. Officially, the tower is The Clock Tower or St. Stephen’s Tower. Tower of London (Tower Hill), is a built in medieval times, fortified complex of several buildings along the Thames. With the fortress armoury (strong house), royal palace and prison, built especially for prisoners of higher standing. Today the Tower is a tourist attraction, partly because the British crown jewels are exhibited in the Tower. But also the building itself, a weapons collection and a part of the walls of the ancient Roman city of Londinium. Due to its historical significance in 1988 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site. Buckingham Palace (Buckingham Palace Road) is the official residence of the British monarch in London. In addition to its role as home of Queen Elizabeth II, it also serves as a venue for official functions of the state. In addition, it is a major attraction for tourists. St. Paul’s Cathedral (St Paul’s Churchyard) is located in the City of London district about 300 meters north of the Thames. It is the principal church of the diocese of London, the Anglican Church. The St. Paul’s Cathedral is frequently the scene of important state ceremonies, such as the 1806 state funeral for Lord Nelson to the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, 1981; Lady Diana and Prince Charles married in the cathedral. For Americans it has a familiar look as it is the design on which the white House is based. Westminster Abbey (Bridge Street) is traditionally where the kings of England are crowned and buried. The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster belongs to the Church of England, but is not functioning, but it is the official Royal church (”royal peculiar”) of the British monarchy. Wherever you travel in the UK you can be sure to not be far from a natural or manmade landmark of historical or cultural interest. The city of Chester has a great buildings which have benefitted from civil engineering in Chester and building design in Cheshire.
JARROD
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