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A trip up Westminster Cathedral's Campanile Tower
We take in the panoramic views around Victoria
(Photos ©urban75, 20th April 2011)
The mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales and the Metropolitan Church and Cathedral of the Archbishop of Westminster, Westminster Cathedral is dedicated to the 'Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ' (the Eucharist).
Located close to Victoria railway station, it is the largest Catholic church in England and Wales and is the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster.
Built on the site of the second Tothill Fields Bridewell prison, construction started in 1895, with the cathedral being created in a Byzantine-influenced style by architect John Francis.
The building was finished in 1903, but because Catholic Church laws at the time wouldn't allow a place of worship to be consecrated unless it was free from debt and its fabric completed, the consecration ceremony was delayed until June 28, 1910.
The building is dominated by the Campanile Bell Tower, which stands 273 ft in height and is dedicated to St Edward the Confessor.
Inside lurks just one bell, called 'Edward' (Ted to its friends) which was a gift of the Duchess of Norfolk.
Here's the text of the prayer inscribed on the bell:
‘While the sound of this bell travels through the clouds, may the bands of angels pray for those assembled in thy church. St Edward, pray for England’.
The dramatic entrance, showing the Campanile Bell Tower reaching for the sky. The tower featured prominently in Alfred Hitchcock's film 'Foreign Correspondent'.
Ornate arch above the entrance.
Inside the cathedral.
Accessible via an elevator, the Viewing Gallery of the Tower stands 200ft above street level, and offers impressive 360° views across London.
The Viewing Gallery is near the bottom of this photo (the double arched window).
View from the gallery showing the new Cardinal Place shopping centre on Victoria Street.
Looking down from the tower.
Telecom Tower, with Euston Tower behind.
Looking towards Elephant and Castle showing the Strata (aka 'The Razor') Tower.
In the distance, you can just make out the distinctive outline of The Gherkin tower, one of my favourite London buildings.
Just to the left of the flagpole on Westminster Parliament Tower you can see the core of the London Bridge Shard.
Cathedral domes.
Crystal Palace transmitter in the far distance.
The four towers of Battersea Power Station.
Inside the tower.
Viewing platform inside the tower.
The lift inside the Campanile Bell Tower.
Getting up the tower isn't cheap - here's the admission prices:
Adults: £5.00
Concessions: £2.50 (Students and Seniors)
Family: £11.00 (2 Adults and up to 4 children)
Opening Times are;
Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.00pm
Weekends/Holidays: 9.30am to 6.00pm
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Velodrome 2011
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