The Dome of Methodist Central Hall, Westminster

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Methodist Central Hall took part in Heritage Open Days by opening the dome of their building to visitors. Only in the last hour of the day did the rain cease and the sun come out.

The images with red borders are 360 Virtual Tours which you can use just like Google Street View.

Inside The Dome

Having signed the personal disclaimer at the booking in desk on the fourth floor, it was time to start the climb to the top of the dome. The route snaked through a series of corridors and doors.

Passing through a final door, the visitors entered the dome. Standing on top of the inner dome, the slender iron ribs and arches could be seen supporting the outer dome.

A staircase led up to the top of the inner dome, atop which was a narrow open spiral staircase ascending 80 feet to the balcony level of the outer dome.

The View From The Dome

The open staircase was too much for a few people, but having braved it the visitors were rewarded with a stunning view across London in all directions.

Sunday 17th September 2023 was Battle of Britain Sunday so the RAF’s ensign (flag) was flying from Westminster Abbey. Battle of Britain day itself is 15th September.

Earlier in the day there had been a Service of Remembrance accompanied by a flypast of vintage RAF fighter aircraft at 11:00.

Westminster Abbey, St Margret's Church and the Houses of Parliament. Royal Air Force ensign (flag) flying from Westminster Abbey for Battle of Britain Sunday. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.

Royal Air Force ensign (flag) flying from Westminster Abbey for Battle of Britain Sunday. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.
Looking across the rooftops of Whitehall. HM Treasury, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.

Battersea Power Station with the Lift 109 at the top of the chimney on the right. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.
55 Broadway, London Underground Headquarters. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.
The West clock of the Elizabeth Tower, formerly known as the Clock Tower, at the Houses of Parliament and known by lots of people as Big Ben. View from the balcony of the dome on Methodist Central Hall. 17-Sep-2023.

The Great Hall

On the way down, there was just time to view the Great Hall.

Lots of people are surprised to find out the first meeting of the United Nations was held here in 1946. There is a small exhibition in the first floor foyer.

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