Gezicht op Westminster Abbey, de westelijke kant before 1869

John Harrington's photograph shows us Westminster Abbey from the west. In 19th-century Britain, photography was more than just a way to capture images; it became a powerful tool in shaping perceptions of British identity and heritage. Westminster Abbey, a symbol of royal power and religious authority, stood at the heart of this national narrative. Harrington's photograph encapsulates the cultural values of the Victorian era: reverence for tradition, celebration of architectural achievement, and the desire to document and preserve national treasures. The choice to focus on the Abbey’s western façade emphasizes its grandeur and timelessness. The photograph invites viewers to reflect on the Abbey's role as a site of national memory, royal spectacle, and religious devotion. For historians, images like this offer insights into the social, political, and cultural landscape of Victorian Britain. By studying photographs alongside other archival sources we can better understand the complex ways in which national identity was constructed, negotiated, and visualized during this transformative period.