Edwin Lerner

The Final Journey Of The Unknown Warrior At Westminster Abbey

The most emotionally powerful story I tell as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide is that of the Unknown Warrior – a single British soldier who through his anonymity came to represent hundreds of thousands of British soldiers killed during the First World War.

That story is now a century old. One hundred years ago the Unknown Warrior arrived home – back in Britain from the battlefield where he fell. Today will be the hundredth anniversary of his funeral procession through London and the beginning of what became known as the Great Pilgrimage to his grave.

In this video, initially broadcast via the Guide London social media channels, I tell the story of the Warrior’s final journey, from the battlefields of Europe to the grave in the nave of Westminster Abbey on 11th November 1920. There the Warrior lies, honoured by Kings and Queens, by Presidents and Prime Ministers, representing all who have given their life for their country.

For a more in-depth virtual tour and discussion of The Final Journey of The Unknown Warrior and the Story of Remembrance, get in touch via my Guide London profile!

Edwin Lerner

Named Edwin (an early king of Northern England) but usually called ‘Eddie’, I conducted extended tours around Britain and Ireland for many years and now work as a freelance guide and tour manager with a little writing and editing on the side.  I specialise in public transport and walking…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Memorial At Westminster Abbey For Major John Andre - An Officer, A Gentleman And A Spy

Westminster Abbey has over 3,000 burials and memorials within its precincts, commemorating royalty, poets, scientists, politicians, musicians and more. Booking a Westminster Abbey Tour with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide is a great way to learn about some fascinating features in the church that may go unnoticed by most visitors.

Read more

Remembering The Blitz On London

On the afternoon of 7th September 1940, 350 German bomber planes attacked London, devastating the docks area and killing over 400 people. The day became known as Black Saturday and marked the beginning of a bombing campaign – the Blitz – that terrorised the city for eight months. Around 20,000 Londoners were killed. Eighty years on from Black Saturday, Blue Badge Tourist Guide Ruth Polling explores how remnants of that period can still be seen in London today.

Read more