Sutton Hoo, an archeological site in Suffolk, is a vast burial chamber that sheds new light on the Dark Ages in England. It also reveals the world of myth and legend. The huge barrow contains:
- The remains of a 27-meter-long ship.
- The burial chamber of a great Anglo-Saxon king.
- Byzantine silverware.
- A sump feasting set.
- An ornate iron ceremonial helmet.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the UK’s most important historical sites and one of London’s most iconic sights. It has been around for millennia and has played an essential role in the history of England. It is the oldest palace in Europe and was first constructed in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It was also used as a prison for centuries, including housing the infamous Kray Twins.
Today, the Tower is one of London’s most important historical sites and has attracted visitors since the early eighteenth century. It is home to several famous historical events, including the execution of Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, was cruel and unqueenly, and she made many enemies at court. Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s chief minister, was responsible for Anne Boleyn’s downfall. Inspired by her flirtatious manner, he convinced Henry VIII that Anne Boleyn was having affairs with other men.
The Tower of London is also one of London’s most famous attractions, attracting millions of visitors every year. The crown jewels are housed inside, and parts of the Tower are more than a thousand years old. It has served as a royal mint, a prison, a place of execution, and an observatory for centuries. In 1988, the Tower of London was designated as a World Heritage Site, which acknowledges its historical and architectural significance.
The Tower of London has been besieged numerous times. It was used for military purposes in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and as a fortress during the eighteenth century. However, it has not been modernized enough to provide modern comfort to visitors. Despite its history, the Tower of London is still the most important historical site in the UK and a must-visit for visitors.
Westminster Abbey
One of the most important historical sites is Westminster Abbey if you plan a trip to the UK. It’s the home to more than three thousand burials and more than 600 monuments and wall tablets, including those of several British prime ministers. You can walk in the footsteps of some of the most prominent British figures, including kings and queens.
The Abbey is home to the remains of famous British writer Charles Dickens. His remains were brought from France in 1920 and buried in the Abbey. His grave contains soil from the battlefields where he died. Several hundred Victoria Cross-decorated soldiers participated in his burial service. The tomb also boasts a frame adorned with red poppies, which were popular in Flanders during the First World War. It’s no wonder that on Poppy Day, this memorial is filled with visitors.
Although Westminster Abbey is perhaps best known for hosting Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding, it has a rich history. The site has been a part of British history for over a thousand years. It’s said that Benedictine monks first traveled to the location of the Abbey around 1050 when it was established as a coronation church. The church underwent an expansion in the twelfth century, and many other significant events in English history have taken place there. Today, it’s considered the most important Gothic church in England.
Westminster Abbey is home to over three thousand memorials. Every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned in the Abbey, although Edward V and Edward VIII never had their coronations. The Abbey is also the resting place of several British royals. You can find more than 3,000 buried in Abbey’s graveyard.
Southwark Cathedral
The history of Southwark Cathedral goes back to around 1280 when it was built as a church. After a series of fires, it was rebuilt by successive bishops until Henry VIII confiscated it in the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Henry then used the spiritual wealth for his war campaigns in France.
Today, the Cathedral serves as a place of worship and is still the oldest crossing point on the River Thames. The Cathedral was built initially by nuns and was the only way into the city from the south. However, it was not listed in the Domesday Book until 1086, when it was recorded as a religious site.
A visit to Southwark Cathedral is a great way to explore London’s past and explore the city’s rich history. It is one of the oldest Gothic structures in London and has been a place of worship for over a thousand years. Over the centuries, it has welcomed many famous personalities, including bishops, royalty, merchants, and Shakespeare. Nearby, you can also visit the Borough Market, one of the best markets in London.
The Cathedral’s nave is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. This building was originally a medieval cathedral but was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. Its dome-shaped roof provides a sense of inner illusion, making the building appear broader and more prominent. The Cathedral’s ceiling is also decorated with illusion paintings.
Corbridge Roman town
The Corbridge Roman town was established south of Hadrian’s Wall, where the main route to the north crossed the River Tyne. The area was the center of a Roman community for 350 years, beginning about 80 years before AD160. The town was the site of a thriving fort. The city is also the site of the Corbridge Hoard, which was unearthed in 1964. This treasure contains more than one hundred thousand pieces of Roman coinage. Today, the site is protected by English Heritage.
The site is open to the public, but you must reserve timed tickets to visit. The museum houses artifacts from the Roman era, including armor and equipment. Children can explore the museum, which English Heritage manages. The museum also provides information and light refreshments.
During the reign of Septimius Severus (AD193 – 211), the significant buildings in the town began taking shape. Two legions occupied the city, and separate works compounds were built for each. These compounds had entrances facing each other across the road south of Stonegate. Later, they were joined by a new wall.
Corbridge was a strong garrison fort for the Hadrianic frontier. Its location was near the river Tyne which made it a central supply depot. It was one of the two main towns in the frontier zone and a preferred leave point for troops guarding the Wall.
Canterbury Cathedral
If you’re planning a trip to the UK, you should make time to visit Canterbury Cathedral. This historic Cathedral is known worldwide for its beautiful architecture and elaborate sculptures on the exterior walls. Its interior is equally impressive, featuring colorful, ornate statues and beautiful artwork. The Cathedral also has gorgeous, painted floor-to-ceiling windows.
This iconic Cathedral is an integral part of English history, representing almost 1400 years of Christian history. It is a place of worship and the site of one of the most famous murders in English history, the slaying of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. The crime was ordered by King Henry II and his trusted knights. Even today, a visit to this historical site is chilling, as you can still see the spot where the murdered priest was seated.
The Cathedral has an impressive collection of ancient tombs. One of the most notable is that of Archbishop Thomas Becket, who was killed in the Cathedral on Christmas Day, 1170. The Cathedral became the leading pilgrimage site in England after this tragic incident. UNESCO has designated the Abbey and Cathedral as a World Heritage Site.
Another historical site that is worth visiting is St Augustine’s monastery. The monastery, located on the same site as the Cathedral, dates back to 597 AD. It is still an important pilgrimage site for Christians and one of the UK’s most important historical sites. The city is also home to St Martin’s church, a Gothic church, and the ruins of a Roman abbey.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is one of Britain’s most revered ancient tourist attractions. It was made in 122 AD to protect the Roman Empire from barbarians. It spans 73 miles and includes forts, towers, turrets, towns, and museums displaying rare Roman artifacts. The Wall is also home to spectacular views of a rugged landscape.
Hadrian’s Wall is the largest Roman monument in Britain. It’s a 73-mile-long, UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Its 73-mile-long perimeter was built to keep out northern Brits and Picts. There are more than 20 points along the Wall, a popular tourist destination today.
Hadrian’s Wall is a popular destination for walking holidays. Many visitors enjoy the vibrant pubs and welcoming B&Bs that line the path, as well as the magnificent scenery. The Wall is also surrounded by Roman monuments and forts and can be toured as part of a National Trail. The trail is signposted and includes the towns of Corbridge, Chesters, Birdolanda, Segedunum, and Housesteads.
The building of Hadrian’s Wall was a significant project in Roman history. Its creation reflects Hadrian’s desire to expand his empire and secure the country. The Wall was built between 117 AD and 410 AD, spanning less than 360 years, and followed the Tyne, Irthing, and Eden valleys.
