England's most magnificent graveyard.
Photography within the Abbey is prohibited, but I snuck the above one anyway.
This was my first visit to a gothic church, and what they say of them is true. It is vast inside and the vaults soar above you, floating. Luckily it was a sunny day, and it was filled with a soft glowing light.
Almost anyone who was anyone is buried or commemorated there, from Edward the Confessor to Charles Darwin (along with many others of lesser fame who's families could afford to pay for a place).
For me the tomb of Elizabeth I was a high point, and strangely she shares the chapel with her loving sister, Bloody Mary.
Also strange is the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots, quiet elaborate for someone who was executed by the State. Judicial murder is a bitch.
During my visit, we were bid via the P.A. system to have a minute prayer for God to guide "our leaders" in the ways of wisdom...how nice for them.
On the grounds are "The Gardens" which they claim has been cultivated for 1,000 years...the present version is lovely.
Everywhere is a feeling of great age. They even claim to have the "oldest doorway in Britain", dating to 1050.
This room, the Pxy Chamber (from 1070-80) did feel like stepping back in time.
Time travel at its best. And we have you back the same day...
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