Westminster

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21648

Title

Westminster

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume offers a captivating historical perambulation of Westminster, exploring its unique blend of royal grandeur and street-level history. With a tone that balances scholarly detail with literary charm, the book invites readers to walk through centuries of English life, from the Abbey's sacred precincts to the vanished palaces of Whitehall, revealing the enduring fascination of London's past.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled by Sir Walter Besant and G. E. Mitton, *Westminster* serves as a comprehensive survey of the historic district defined by the parishes of St. Margaret and St. John. The narrative distinguishes this colloquial Westminster from the broader city, tracing its unique identity through a street-by-street perambulation that begins at the west end of Victoria Street. Here, the authors describe the Roman Catholic Cathedral, built on the site of the former Tothill Fields Prison, and the historic Greencoat School, noting the evolution of local charities such as the Greycoat Hospital and the United Westminster Almshouses founded by figures like Mr. Emery Hill and Rev. James Palmer. The heart of the volume is dedicated to the two great foundations that shaped the district: Westminster Abbey and the Palace. The authors detail the Abbey's evolution from a Saxon church to a Norman monastery and finally to the magnificent Gothic structure seen today. They trace the architectural contributions of various kings, from Edward the Confessor to Henry III and Henry VII, describing the royal tombs, the Coronation Chair, and the famous Henry VII Chapel. The narrative also covers the history of the Palace, noting its role as a center for the Court, the site of the execution of Charles I, and its eventual destruction by fire, leaving only the Banqueting House. The perambulation continues through the streets, mentioning the Horse Guards, St. James's Park, and the evolution of the Mall. The authors weave in the presence of historical figures such as Milton, Pepys, and Evelyn, as well as literary giants like Shakespeare and Dryden, whose spirits haunt the site. The text highlights the district's history as a place of sanctuary, pilgrimage, and political power, noting the 'floating population' of travelers and merchants who passed through the marshes. The book concludes by reflecting on the continuity of history written in the streets and stones, making it a unique record of London's heritage for both locals and students.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21648.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg21648.epub

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Categories

• History
• Travel