This morning Ashley and I visited Westminster Abbey. Westminster is significant for the British monarchy being the site of 40 coronations in the past 1000 years. But what I find more interesting is the over 3000 people buried here.
One of the most significant people buried here is Sir Isaac Newton. Everyone is familiar with the story of the apple and he research into gravity. But I find more interesting is his mathematics. He was the first person to develop calculus. Though his calculus used infinitesimals and was largely used for applied problems, it was the most significant development in mathematics during the modern period. It was amazing to see his memorial here.
Also nearby Isaac Newton is the grave of Stephen Hawking, one of the most recent addition to the incredible people buried in Westminster.
The other spot in Westminster that was amazing to see was the Poet’s Corner. This is were some of the best writers in English history are buried or memorialized. There is a large memorial to Shakespeare (though buried in his hometown) surrounded by busts of many other famous writers. Near by is the grave of Charles Dickens.
