Located in the City of Westminster

Center of state occasions and royal hospitality

Focal point for the British at times of national rejoicing and mourning

1703, originally known as Buckingham House, the building at core of today’s palace built for the Duke of Buckingham

19th century, enlarged, architects John Nash and Edward Blore

1837, became London residence of the British monarch on the accession of Queen Victoria

During World II, bombed nine times, the most serious destroying the palace chapel in 1940

On VE Day—8 May 1945—the palace was the center of British celebrations

Palace restored after the War by John Mowlem & Co.

Symbol and home of the British monarchy

 

The Queen’s Guard

Fully operational soldiers responsible for guarding London’s royal residences

 

Two of each included in the gift box

Off Fleet Street, old city of London

One of the city’s most ancient churches

Seven previous churches built on the site

7 th century worship perhaps dating back to the conversion of the Middle Saxons Founded by Celtic monks, missionaries to the English

1666 destroyed by the Great Fire of London

1675 Reopened, designed and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren

1701-1703 Famous “Wedding Cake” spire added

1940 largely gutted by fire during the London Blitz, WWII

Due to its Fleet Street location, associated with journalists and newspapers

 

Two of each included in the gift box

Northern bank of River Thames, City of Westminster, central London

Meeting place House of Commons and House of Lords, the two houses of the

United Kingdom’s government

The ‘heart of British politics’

Name derived from nearby Westminster Abbey

11th century, first royal palace built, primary residence kings

1512 fire

After, served both as Parliament’s home, meeting there since 13th century,

and the seat of the Royal Courts of Justice

1834, another fire, new architect Charles Barry

Gothic Revival style, inspired by English Perpendicular Gothic style of 14th-16th centuries

Extensive repairs after WWII following 1941 bombing when Palace took twelve hits

Grade I listed building since 1970 and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987   Two of each included in the gift box

A public square in the City of Westminster, Central London

1844 Square opened to the public

Commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars with France and Spain off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain

Significant landmark redeveloped by John Nash

Surrounded by National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields Church and The Mall leading toward Buckingham Palace via Admiralty Arch

1996 Grade 1 listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens

 

Nelson’s Column (169 ft.)

1937-1939 flanked by fountains, designer Sir Edwin Lutyens

Bronze lions, sculptor Sir Edwin Landseer

Top of column, statue of Lord Horatio Nelson, commander of the British Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar

 

Two of each included in the gift box

 

City of Westminster, west of palace of Westminster

One of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings

960s or early 970s, first version built, mainly Gothic

1065 consecrated

1066 coronation William the Conqueror

1080, original abbey built for Benedictine monks

1090, completed, romanesque style

Traditional coronation and burial site

1245 construction of present church began

Practice of being buried there began under Oliver Cromwell. Includes Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, William Wilberforce who led the movement to abolish slavery in the United Kingdom

First third of King James Bible Old Testament and the last half New Testament translated here

20th century, the New English Bible put together here

1940, Westminster Abbey suffered minor damage during the Blitz

 

Two of each included in the gift box