July 1 - In the Thick of Things

(John) The day started with a major disappointment. We were up early so that we could queue for The House of Commons on one of the few Friday sittings. But, once we arrived at St. Stephens gate, we were informed that the House had cancelled - neither was The House of Lords open. So, we moved onto our next activity: Westminster Abbey.

This historic church has been home to English coronations since the investiture of William the Conqueror in 1066. The church is lined with chapels named after saints - previously used for daily mass. Today, its post reformation style has each chapel filled with memorials to figures of national importance. 29 monarchs are burried there, including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Edward the Confessor who comissioned the current church in 1065 on the site of a monastery.

Afterward, we enjoyed a pleasant picnic lunch in parliament square underscored by the roar of traffic, the ravings of a lunatic, and the midday tolling of Big Ben. Gene will post more about our day later.