Westminster Abbey
威斯敏斯特教堂 · Westminster, London, UK
The coronation church of 40 English and British monarchs since 1066 and the burial place of 18 monarchs, at the heart of Britain's coronation tradition; the Henry VII Chapel at the east end is a classic of Perpendicular Gothic.
Know before you go
- Wandering about or making noise during services
- playing around in the burial and memorial areas
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
Two founding legends
One legend says the church was founded by the Saxon king Sebert, and another names as its founder the fictitious 2nd-century British king Lucius. Both are only legends with no historical basis.
Source: Wikipedia: Westminster Abbey
Legend
The fisherman and the salmon
Tradition says a young fisherman on the Thames saw St Peter appear near this place. The Fishmongers' Company still presents a salmon to the Abbey each year in memory of this traditional story.
Source: Wikipedia: Westminster Abbey
History
The Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone
Since William the Conqueror's coronation in 1066, English and British monarchs have been crowned here, apart from a few who were never crowned, such as Edward V and Edward VIII. The Coronation Chair has been used at coronations since the 14th century; from 1301 to 1996, apart from its brief theft in 1950, the Stone of Scone was kept in the chair. In 1996 the stone was returned to Scotland for safekeeping, to be brought back to the chair for coronations.
Source: Wikipedia: Westminster Abbey
History
Henry III's two coronations
In 1216, with London held by hostile forces, Henry III had to be crowned first at Gloucester Cathedral. In 1220 he was crowned a second time at Westminster Abbey.
Source: Wikipedia: Westminster Abbey
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Westminster Abbey stands in Dean's Yard, City of Westminster, London; its formal name is the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster. At least 16 royal weddings have taken place here since 1100, and the antiquary John Leland called the Henry VII Chapel at the east end a wonder of the world. More than 3,300 people are buried here, including monarchs, prime ministers, Poets Laureate, actors, musicians, scientists, military leaders and the Unknown Warrior; the Coronation Chair and the Stone of Scone are the central witnesses of the coronation tradition. A Benedictine monastery stood here by about 959. Edward the Confessor oversaw the first major building in the 1040s, completed around 1060 and consecrated on 28 December 1065, and Edward was buried here a week after his death. The present church was begun by order of Henry III in 1245 and consecrated in 1269. In 1559 the monks were expelled, and Elizabeth I then made it a Royal Peculiar directly answerable to the monarch. Its Gothic architecture is mainly influenced by 13th-century French and English styles, with early Romanesque, later Baroque and modern parts. In 1987 it was inscribed on the World Heritage List together with the Palace of Westminster and St Margaret's Church; the artist William Morris called it a national Valhalla. Elizabeth II was crowned here on 2 June 1953.
Local customs
- Visit in turn the nave and the Coronation Chair, the Henry VII Chapel, Poets' Corner, the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and the cloisters
- see treasures and historical objects in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries
- attend a daily service to feel the atmosphere of a church still in use, with service arrangements as officially announced.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Wandering about or making noise during services
- playing around in the burial and memorial areas
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep quiet during services
- dress appropriately
- follow the photography rules posted on site
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The Abbey remains an active place of worship, so visiting and service arrangements may change, with ticketing and opening as officially announced
- busy periods are crowded, so allow time for queues. It is open for visits all year, though service and event days may bring changes
- winter daylight is short, so visit in the daytime.
- The Abbey is in central London in the Westminster district, reachable by Underground and bus
- the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Parliament Square are within walking distance.
Sources & verification notes
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Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
The Gothic Houses of Parliament on the Thames, keeper of the world's 'standard time'