England's best views Westminster skyline From the Abbey sanctuary, London SW1
‘The "Olympic gold" pillar box at the junction of Victoria and Tothill streets commands a fine view of the national tableau of Westminster. It looks beyond Westminster Abbey and encompasses Victoria Tower in one frame.
To the left-but invisible here-the Elizabeth Tower (which houses the bell Big Ben) stands bold over Westminster Bridge where, since 1859, it has marked the nation's time and acted as its guardian angel. As visual focus of the City of Westminster, it gathers up river, bridge and government quarter and commands their collective obedience to the gods of parliament.
The Palace of Westminster was commissioned after the old parliament building burned down in 1834.
Designed by Charles Barry and adorned by Augustus Pugin, the composition is the world's most bravura work of Gothic Revival, a balanced series of elevations whether seen from the river or the square. '
Extracted from ‘England's 100 Best Views' by Simon Jenkins, to be published by Profile books in October 2013 (£25 hardback)
Words: Simon Jenkins
Photograph: Paul Barker
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'To exist in this world relies on the hands of others': Roger Powell and modern British bookbindingAn exhibition on the legendary bookbinder Roger Powell reveals not only his great skill, but serves to reconnect us with the joy, power and importance of real craftsmanship.
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Spam: The tinned meaty treat that brought a taste of the ‘hot-dog life of Hollywood’ to war-weary BritainCourtesy of our ‘special relationship’ with the US, Spam was a culinary phenomenon, says Mary Greene. So much so that in 1944, London’s Simpson’s, renowned for its roast beef, was offering creamed Spam casserole instead.
