As the days have gone by I’ve come to enjoy London more and more. Many things are different here than in the U.S., but perhaps none as much as the mixing of past and present. In U.S., sites of deep historical significance are few and far between. The ones that do exist are set almost on a stage, in their own environment, removed from the modern world in a way. That is not the case here. There are so many historical sites, too many to see in just 10 days. All of these sites are part of the fabric of London; they sit on the street like every other building. I first noticed this when I saw parts of the old Roman walls. They were just in a little green space, in the shadow of several buildings. I thought it was incredible that these pieces of ancient architecture were just sitting here, free for anyone to climb on, paint on, or just ignore. Although other sites I visited were held in a higher sense of reverence, they were still just sitting there, right next to the sidewalk. As I headed to St. Paul’s Cathedral, I couldn’t help but feel that it was somewhat peculiar to have this grand cathedral on one side of the street and a McDonald’s on the other. Even Westminster Abbey, which is somewhat more isolated as it is next to Parliament, sat right next to the street, with people just driving and walking past trying to get to somewhere else. It just seems wild to me that these buildings and sites of huge cultural and historical significance are framed by, or in the shadow of, apartments, cafes, and commercial businesses. Even when I went to Stonehenge, I couldn’t help but notice that it was not surrounded by a park, but rather farmland, with sheep grazing just a plot of land away. Maybe because Britain, and London more specifically, has so many historic sites, that it would be impossible to give them all the “proper” setting, so instead they are just treated like every other building. Either way, at least I can observe St. Paul’s while eating a Big Mac.
Parts of the Roman walls, just kind of sitting there, seemingly forgotten.
Stonehenge framing a highway
Westminster Abbey siting right behind a flow of traffic
I have similar feelings about the location of the major historic sites of London, but I find that the proximity of these landmarks to normal infrastructure such as roads really integrates the history into the space- maybe more than the US does. I feel like the proximity really enforces history, allowing those in London to engaged with history. I love how people have the option to just casually see the old Roman wall as experiences such as that isn’t commonplace in America from my own experience. Having the major landmarks you spoke of close to everyday infrastructure also gives a peek into the daily lives of Londoners to those who are visiting which is beneficial to really understand the city and it’s development. Eating a Big Mac and looking at St Paul’s is definitely interesting meal entertainment.
I agree, London was very different from the US in many different ways. There are not many places we see in the US that have a mixture of old building along with new buildings right next to them. Usually there are districts for old buildings in the States. I find it really interesting when the buildings in London are much higher then the original Roman grounds below them and when it shows through seeing things like where the Roman wall is. London really does have an interesting way of designing in the sense that they care about the views down the roads to be able to see St. Paul’s but it seems odd that they would allow a McDonald’s across the street. When speaking about Stonehenge, I think it is in its “proper” setting. I would have to say this because that is where it was found and as soon as you add something around it, more and more will keep getting built. I do like change, but when dealing with historic landscapes I think they should stay the same as they were found. Also eating a big Mac while looking at St. Paul’s seems like a lot of fun.
We are so glad you had such a wonderful opportunity to travel to the UK! And we’re equally glad that you’re back home safe and sound!
Love you,
Grammy