A walk for families with fabulous animals – the free walk will run four times 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30
The crowded streets around Parliament Square transport us to a magical land of both mythical and real animals…if we happen to look up and truly see the buildings before us. But why are they there? What do they tell us?
Since early times, we have used animals in our art to communicate important messages about ourselves. The ancient Scythians of the Siberia imbued the reindeer with the magical powers of flight, guiding the dead to the underworld. In the Middle Ages, the deer was seen as a symbol of peace and harmony, even of the dignity of kings. Richard II knew that well. His crowned white hart graced his buildings and his art. One of our favourite animals, the horse, symbolises strength, courage and freedom, enhancing the status and potency of its rider.
Westminster Abbey (1042-1745) and environs stand proud on the south side of Parliament Square, the church facade littered with statues of kings and saints and, above the West Doors, the Royal Coat-of-Arms, flanked by other royal heraldic images, ensuring that we know that this is a royal institution – yet, as a church, open to all today. Mythical and real animals abound.
Across the way is Methodist Central Hall (1909-1912), it too littered with symbolic reliefs and carvings, those depicting the Four Evangelists overwhelmed by the triumphalism of Imperial Rome, as the Hall, another place of Christian worship, trumpets its evangelical success from the very early 20th century onwards. This time, the building represents not the monarchy nor the established church as its fellow, the Abbey does, but simply itself and its role in the wider, international community. Yet, even here, animals are on the watch.
And what of the Supreme Court, once Middlesex Guildhall (1906-1913)? It too tells a story, this time of the country’s development into a democracy through constitutional law since Magna Carta in 1215…and the animals? They are there, mythical and real, reminding us that once the law was ‘the king’s justice’. Indeed, the judiciary has its 13th century roots in Westminster Hall, part of the royal Palace of Westminster across the Square and so its royal relationship is paraded on the Supreme Court.
Finally, the Palace itself, bristles with animals, Tudor Roses, kings, queens, virtues, and saints, all telling the story of how the monarchy developed through the ages into what it is today – a constitutional monarchy.
And all this from some animals watching us as we pass.
Curious? Discover some of those animals on our children’s walk, taking place on 6 April, in partnership with Tommy’s, the baby charity, and their fantastic fund-raising event, The London Landmarks Half Marathon. The walk is circular and will run four times on the day (10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 13:30), and places must be booked, by clicking on this link. . For more information on the LLHM, click here.
The walk is free. Grown-ups must be accompanied by a child. This walk is accessible, and guide dogs are welcome