Ep 2. London: St Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey

London is full of iconic landmarks that have been the subject of much admiration and scrutiny. Within the heart of London lies two of Britain's Great Cathedrals, St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey. This episode of Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals takes its viewers on a journey of discovery, into the depths of these towering buildings. The show uncovers secrets, buried within the walls that have been hidden for centuries.

First, we explore St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of the most famous landmarks in London. A work of great imagination and vision, mostly completed in the 18th century. The show helps us explore the cathedral's fascinating history in detail. We learn how St. Paul's was due demolition to make way for a modern high rise, which would have been a tragedy. Thanks to the effort of the public and determined individuals, St. Paul's was saved, and today stands as a proud symbol of England's history.

After setting the groundwork for St. Paul's, the show takes us deeper into the cathedral's mysteries. We discover how the choirboys would climb the Cathedral's walls via secret staircases to operate the bell towers, which make up one of the most recognisable elements of St. Paul's. We also learn about the extraordinary effort undertaken to preserve the cathedral's intricate mosaics, which are widely considered to be some of the finest in the world.

Next, we move to Westminster Abbey, which has a much-cherished place in the hearts of the British people. The show takes us on an intense historical journey, telling us what the Abbey was like during the Middle Ages and how the buildings and ornaments that we admire so much came to exist. We learn that the Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065, and the leaders of England have been crowned and buried there ever since.

The show then takes us into the detail about how the Abbey became the country's preferred coronation church and how the monarchy's power was decided from its great halls. It is fascinating to see the changes and evolution that the Abbey has undergone over the years, and how it continues to hold an unshakeable place in the psyche of the British people.

Finally, we explore some of the rare items that are held within the Abbey's walls. One such item is the coronation throne, used by every King and Queen of England for over 700 years. We also learn about the famous Queen Elizabeth I, who is buried at the Abbey, alongside the likes of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Overall, this episode of Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals is a fascinating and in-depth look at two of the most iconic landmark buildings in London. The show goes in-depth in telling us about the history of the buildings, revealing some secrets that have been locked away for centuries. It's an excellent watch for anyone interested in British history or just wants to explore two of the most beautiful buildings in London.