WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
The present church was erected by Henry III. and his successors; the western towers are by Sir Christopher Wren. Behind the altar is the chapel of Edward the Confessor, in which is kept the coronation chair: adjoining is the chapel of Henry V. Around these chapels are nine others, dedicated to various saints. Next to the eastern end of the church stands the chapel of Henry VII. The first stone was laid in Feb., 1503, by Abbot Islop; the building cost £14,000, an enormous sum for the period. It was designed by Sir Reginald Bray. The Abbey contains the monuments of many great men; one spot is occupied by poets, and called “Poets’ Corner.” In the foreground may be seen the tower of the parish church of St. Margaret’s, Westminster.