London, a name derived from the Celtic term Llyn-din which means "river place." Little is known about this port city prior to Roman times in AD43 when it was renamed Londinium. Yet it was the power seat of William the Conqueror in 1066 and a center of trade in medieval times. But the 16th century was London's period to shine. This was the epoch of Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, and Sir Christopher Wren. London, the city demonstrated exemplary courage during Nazi bombings even though a great part of it was destroyed and thousands of its' citizens killed. This is a truly remarkable city.

Buckingham Palace - Queen Victoria was the first monarch to call this fabulous palace 'home' in 1837. Part of this regal residence is open, for a price. The Queen's Gallery contains the British Royal Collection, one of the world's grandest, though only a small part is available for viewing.






St. Paul's Cathedral, the cathedral church of the London Anglican dioceses, stands majestically atop Ludgate Hill and is the largest church in London. A masterpiece of Renaissance design by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's took 35 years to complete (1675-1710). Wren, himself is buried here along with British notables Nelson and Wellington. This beauty was damaged by Nazi bombings during World War II, but became a rallying place for Londoners. More recently, it was the site in 1981 of Prince Charles and Lady Diane's wedding.






St. James's Palace, where new monarchs are proclaimed. Today, serving as Prince Charles's office, this structure was originally built for Henry VIII. In 1649, Charles I walked from here to his execution at Whitehall.
Not open to the public.









Warwick Castle, a medieval stronghold that boasts a tourture chambre that sent me scrambling for clean air and light. It is here that I discovered the meaning of 'clostrophobia.' View from the towers was awesome.









Oxford, 'that sweet city with her dreaming spires' according to 19th century poet Matthew Arnold is still a much sought-after place today. The town was established in 912, the university around 1160, and relations were tumultuous for some 600 years. This is where King Harold died, Richard the Lionhearted was born, Henry V was educated, and I ate my first steak-and-kidney pie. Here is a picture of Radcliffe Camera which is home to one of the greatest libraries, the Bodlean. Great pubs, open-air markets, boats on the River Charwell, Botanical Gardens.









Canterbury Cathedral - enter through the West Gate as thousands of pilgrams have in times past. The site of Thomas Becket's martyrdom by agents of King Henry II in 1170, this church offers the world a gift of medieval stained glass, paintings, and valuted cloistes. Originally the site of a Roman fortress in AD 43, the remains of the city wall still exist as well a roadway on Buchery Lane.










Stonehenge is the best-known of the ancient religious sites located throughout Great Britain and western Europe. Used by the druids for their sun-based festivals around 250 BC, these monuments perhaps served as astronomical calendars. The largest of the stones still standing here measures more than 20 feet tall and extends 8 feet below ground. Stonehenge is open daily yearround. There is an admission charge, but to those of us 'non-Europeans' it's well worth the price.