WESTMINSTER
London
SW1
Nearest Tube: Westminster
The district of Westminster is regarded by some as the very heart of London. And
for tourist, many of the main sites are to be found here.
The area dates back to the 11th century when Edward the Confessor, came to the throne. A
Christian, he devoted 10% of his wealth to building a church two miles to the west of the
city of London - the West Minster (Westminster Abbey). The Abbey was completed in 1065,
and Edward was buried in it just ten days later.
Westminster still has strong connections with royalty for this is where you will find
Buckingham Palace. Throughout its history Westminster has also been the centre for
government and law and this is the district where Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are
situated.
Other notable tourist attractions in Westminster include Trafalgar Square, the National
Gallery and the Tate Gallery.
ST. JAMES'S & VICTORIA
DISTRICT SW1
Nearest Tube: Green Park/Victoria/Pimlico
St James's is one of the most exclusive and expensive districts in London. It
encompasses the approximate area from Piccadilly in the north to Victoria Street in the
south and from Haymarket and Whitehall in the east to Grosvenor Place in the west.
Whitehall is a long avenue stretching south from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square.
Originally the area was best known for its connections with Royalty for this was the site
of Whitehall Palace, the permanent residence for English Monarchs until it burned down in
1698.
Its associations with royalty are particularly strong. For example The Mall is the
ceremonial route taken by the royal family during ceremonial occasions, and of course it
is here that you will find Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace.
Even the street names are derived from royalty, for example Birdcage Walk that forms the
southern boundary of St James's Park is named after the aviary that James I (1603-25)
built there.
St James's is also known for its exclusive 'Gentlemen's Clubs', such as the Athenaeum and
the Reform Club, mostly situated around Pall Mall and Jermyn Street. Most date back to the
18th Century and were where aristocratic men met to talk, drink and where they won and
lost fortunes gambling.
The other thing that St James's is known for is its exclusive shops, for example its
bespoke tailors shops that line Jermyn Street, and department stores such as Fortnum and
Mason.
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