Royal London (Part 1)
Ever since people started to be aware that in order to survive they have to stay together and to help each other, they grouped themselves based on family, interest and location. Between them, there was always a person that stood out, a chief, a ruler, a king. The tribal kingship was connected mainly on sacral functions, which basically means that the king or emperor was seen as a Semi-god. This belief was changed over time into a notion that can be described as a “Devine right of kings”. This means that a monarch has no earthly authority, has to answer only to God because He is the one that gives him the right to rule, and that rule will be passed on, following a hereditary rule.
Many countries gave up on this system over time and monarchy maintained itself in a few places throughout the world. United Kingdom has, by far, one of the most famous and popular royal family, due to its long and rich history and also its current public support.
The concept of one ruler over the tribes in England developed itself in the eighth and ninth century. Two of the first kings were Offa and Alfred the Great. Over time, UK had numerous kings and queens. The royal life became more and more rich and luxurious: banquets, jewelry and palaces. Also, it is filled with secrets, betrayals and power struggle. The centre of the monarchy became the capital of the country, London, and therefore, if you want to take a tour of Royal London and to live the great monarchy history, we recommend the following city’s sites:
Buckingham Palace is the Sovereign’s official residence in London since 1837, replacing St. James’s Palace. When the queen is home, you can see the yellow, red and blue standard flying on top of the building. One of the most awaited ceremonies at Buckingham Palace is the changing of the guard. At 11:30AM, sharp, every day, from May to July (on alternate days, for the rest of the year), people gather to watch the most popular royal shows in London. For about half an hour, the old guard (Foot Guards of the Household Regiment) is replaced by the new one on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
The Palace of Whitehall was the main royal residence in the Tudor period. Most of the palace burned in a fire in 1622. At the time, it was the largest castle in Europe, overtaking Versailles and Vatican in size and greatness. All that remains today from the great palace are the Banqueting House, a tower, and some tennis courts from King Henry VIII’s time. Even though its life was not so long, the Whitehall Palace keeps some symbols from the time when it was the preferred royal house. This is the place where King Henry the VIII married two of his wives: Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour and where the last of them and him died.
This is only a small part of what London has to offer when it comes of royal symbols and places.
247 Airport Transfer can offer you a tour of the famous Royal Places in London. The price for hiring a car in Central London is 25 pounds per hour for a saloon car.
