Aberdeen

Nursing Homes near Aberdeen

Scotland

Approximate Population: 184,788

Aberdeen grew up as two separate burghs – Old Aberdeen at the mouth of the Don and New Aberdeen, a fishing and trading settlement where the Denburn entered the Dee estuary. The earliest charter was granted by King William the Lion about 1179, confirming the corporate rights granted by David I. The city received other royal charters later. In 1319, the Great Charter of Robert the Bruce transformed Aberdeen into a property owning and financially independent community. Bruce had a high regard for the citizens of Aberdeen who had sheltered him in his days of outlawry, helped him win the Battle of Barra and slayed the English garrison at the Castle. He granted Aberdeen with the nearby Forest of Stocket. The income from this land has formed the basis for the city’s Common Good Fund, which is used to this day for the benefit of all Aberdonians.

The city was burned by Edward III of England in 1336, but was soon rebuilt and extended, and called New Aberdeen. For many centuries the city was subject to attacks by the neighbouring lords, and was strongly fortified, but the gates were all removed by 1770. In 1497 a blockhouse was built at the harbour mouth as a protection against the English. During the struggles between the Royalists and Covenanters the city was impartially plundered by both sides. In 1715 the Earl Marischal proclaimed the Old Pretender at Aberdeen, and in 1745 the Duke of Cumberland resided for a short time in the city before attacking the Young Pretender.

In the 18th century a new Town Hall was built, elegantly furnished with a marble fireplace from Holland and a set of fine crystal chandeliers and sconces. The latter are still a feature in the Town House. This century also saw the beginnings of social services for the Infirmary at Woolmanhill which was opened in 1742 and the Lunatic Asylum in 1779.

Nursing Homes near Aberdeen Scotland

Westminster

Nursing Homes near Westminster

Greater London

Approximate Population: 181,766

The district of Westminster boasts two of the capital’s most famous and spectacular buildings: Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, whose clock tower, housing the massive 13-ton bell called Big Ben, is instantly identifiable as a symbol of London. The original palace was home to generations of royals until 1512. The House of Lords, also based at the palace, remained there, to be joined by the Commons in 1547, bringing the Houses of Parliament together in the location they still occupy today.

The palace was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1834 and was rebuilt in magnificent Gothic Revival style over 30 years. The 14th Century Jewel Tower, which escaped the fire, now hosts an exhibition about Parliamentary history. Westminster Abbey dates back to 1066, although the present building, in all its stunning Gothic splendour, was begun in the mid-1200s.

Some 17 monarchs are buried here. So, notably, are many of the literary giants commemorated in Poets’ Corner. Westminster School, College Garden, Chapter House and Museum, and St Margaret’s Church, serving the House of Commons, are within the Abbey’s precincts. Not far away, and also worth visiting, is the interactive exhibition at The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.

Nursing Homes near Westminster

Greater London