Posted by Overview
Westminster Abbey is one of the two large and famous churches in central London. The other is St Paul’s Cathedral. Traditionally, Westminster Abbey has been the site of the coronations and burials of the queens and kings of England for hundreds of years. Also many great royal weddings have taken place in Westminster Abbey. Prince Williams married Catherine here in April 2011.
| Important tip: Buy your tickets online: The Westminster Abbey Church is one of London’s great sights and is extremely popular. It makes sense to buy the tickets for the church in advance on the Internet on a well-known website. An audio guide is already included if you buy the ticket on this great webpage. |
What’s there to see?
For the first time, probably in the eighth century, a church stood on the site where Westminster Abbey stands today. The present building dates from the 13th century and is predominantly Gothic in style.
There is a lot to see in Westminster Abbey. On the one hand, the many graves of kings and statesmen are interesting in the impressive building. There is also a good museum in the church. The highlight for many visitors is the richly decorated coronation chair on which the queens and kings of England have been crowned for centuries. All the kings of England have been crowned in this church for centuries.
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About 20 former queens and kings have found their last rest in the abbey church. Also the grave of many other very important people is in the church. For example, the graves of Charles Darwin (researcher), Charles Dickens (writer), Isaac Newton (scientist) and Robert Stephenson (inventor) are in Westminster Abbey.
Westminster is the part of London where the church is located. An abbey is a monastery where an abbot presides.
Close by: London’s landmark, the Big Ben Tower, is only 100 metres away. The famous Downing Street 10 and the largest Ferris wheel in Europe can also be reached on foot in a few minutes from the church of Westminster. Also to the Aquarium Sea Life, opposite at the other bank of the Thames, it is only 200 metres.
The most popular excursion by boat on the ThamesMeanwhile, a large part of London tourists take a boat trip on the Thames. Of course, everyone wants to see the center of London from the ship. Thus, the most popular boat tour is from Westminster to Greenwich, that is, across the city center of London. Very often booked tour, you should book online in advance: >>> At Getyourguide.com you can buy tickets for the ships on the river Thames |
Information for the visitor
Opening hours Westminster Abbey 2024: Opening hours vary from day to day depending on church services and other events in the church. Westminster Abbey is usually open daily except Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until the early or late afternoon.
Admission Westminster Abbey early 2024 : In London, most sightseeing attractions do not cost admission or the admission price is rather high. Westminster Abbey unfortunately costs 30 pounds for adults (year 2024 ) and up to15 pounds for children and students.
As far as we know, you cannot walk around Westminster Abbey freely, but you have to follow a given tour. There are other discounts on the admission price for groups, for example.
| Important tip: Buy your tickets online: The Westminster Abbey Church is one of London’s great sights and is extremely popular. It makes sense to buy the tickets for the church in advance on the Internet on a well-known website. An audio guide is already included if you buy the ticket on this great webpage. |
With a London Pass you can visit the church for free. The London Pass is a tourist ticket for one or more days for many sights in London, also available as an option with local transport ticket and Hop On / Hop Off bus. You can buy the London Pass online
Westminster Abbey by Underground: Take the subway to Tube Station with the simple name “Westminster” in the heart of London. Three lines meet here (Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line and Jubilee Line). The church can be reached quickly and easily by public transport.
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Westminster Abbey History of the Church
Westminster Abbey is one of Britain’s most famous and historic buildings. Located in the City of London, Westminster Abbey has served as a venue for coronations, royal weddings and other important events throughout British history. The abbey is also the burial place of monarchs, poets and other celebrities.
Origin of Westminster Abbey :
Westminster Abbey dates back to the 7th century when King Siebert of Essex built a small church on the site. In the 10th century, Edward the Confessor rebuilt the church and created a beautiful stone structure. After his death, the church became a place of pilgrimage and numerous miracles were attributed to the king’s relics.
In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day of the same year in a ceremony in the newly built Westminster Abbey. Since then, all monarchs of England (and later Britain) have been crowned in Westminster Abbey, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who were never crowned.
Structure and additions:
Over the centuries, Westminster Abbey has undergone numerous additions and alterations. Henry III in the 13th remodelled the Abbey in the Gothic style, creating the structure we see today. The Abbey’s striking features include high vaulted ceilings, intricate stone sculpture and magnificent stained glass windows.
In the 14th century, the Abbey’s two west towers were added, creating a spectacular entrance to the building. In the 16th century, as part of the English Reformation, Elizabeth I ordered that much of the Catholic decoration and statuary be removed from the Abbey.
Several important changes were made to the Abbey in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1762 a new organ was installed and in 1803 a new choir screen was added. In the mid-19th century, extensive restoration work was carried out, restoring the roof and the stained glass windows.
Our tip: Buy tickets for Westminster Abbey online before your visit:The church of Westminster Abbey is one of the great sights of London and is extremely popular. It makes sense to buy the tickets for the church in advance at home on the internet. An audio guide is already included with the well-known and good ticket website Getyourguide. |
Funerals at Westminster Abbey :
Westminster Abbey is also known as the burial place of monarchs, poets and other dignitaries. Monarchs buried at the Abbey include Edward the Confessor, Henry III, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and many others. Poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling and scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are also buried here. In addition to the tombs, Westminster Abbey also houses numerous memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Poets’ Corner, with memorials to famous authors such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.
Westminster Abbey today :
Westminster Abbey is now open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the abbey’s rich history and architecture. As well as regular guided tours, the Abbey also hosts special events such as concerts and lectures.
The Abbey remains an important part of British culture and history. Its iconic silhouette and intricate sculptures are instantly recognisable around the world and continue to represent a place of great significance to the British.
Westminster Abbey Weddings
Westminster Abbey has been the venue for many royal weddings throughout history, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. The beautiful architecture of the Abbey, its rich history and its royal connections make it a popular venue for weddings of all kinds.
Royal wedding at Westminster Abbey :
The first royal wedding to take place at Westminster Abbey was that of Henry I and Princess Matilda of Scotland in 1100, George V and Queen Mary in 1893, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947.
One of the most memorable royal weddings at Westminster Abbey in recent years was that of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. The ceremony was seen by millions of people around the world and mixed traditional and contemporary elements. The bride wore a beautiful gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and looked vintage in style. Arriving at the Abbey in a Rolls-Royce.
The ceremony was conducted by the Dean of the University of Westminster and the couple exchanged traditional vows and rings. The service also included hymns sung by the choir of Westminster Abbey and readings by the bride’s brother, James Middleton.A reception was held at the Palace.
Non-royal weddings at Westminster Abbey :
While Westminster Abbey is best known for royal weddings, it is also a popular venue for all types of weddings and helps couples create the perfect ceremony.
Couples getting married at Westminster Abbey can expect a truly spectacular setting for their special day. The Abbey’s imposing Gothic architecture, beautiful stained glass windows and rich history will make any wedding an unforgettable experience. The Abbey can accommodate up to 2,000 guests and the wedding party can enjoy the Abbey’s impressive choir and organ. In addition to the actual ceremony, couples can also host a reception or banquet at Westminster Abbey. The Abbey team will take care of the catering. The beautiful surroundings and historic atmosphere of the Abbey make it the ideal venue for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
Westminster Abbey Coronations
As one of the most famous and historic churches in the world, Westminster Abbey has been the venue for the coronations of Britain and British monarchs for over 900 years. The magnificent building has witnessed the coronation of 38 kings and queens, making it one of the most important sites in British history.
Rooted in tradition and grandeur, coronations are solemn and grand occasions that herald the beginning of a new reign. The monarch is crowned with a crown, sceptre and orb to show the respect of the assembled lords and dignitaries.
The first coronation in Westminster Abbey was that of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066.Since then, many monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey, including Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, Henry VII, Elizabeth I and George VI.
Queen Victoria’s coronation in 1838 was the first to take place in the newly built Westminster Abbey. Victoria’s coronation was a landmark event as she was the first monarch to take her coronation oaths in English rather than Latin. Her coronation also included the use of the newly designed Imperial Crown, which remains one of the most important symbols of the British monarchy to this day.
Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 was another historic event and the first to be televised. Millions of people around the world watched the young queen being crowned in a ceremony that combined tradition and modernity.A common crown, the St Edward’s Crown, was used.
A coronation is a complex and multi-layered event that requires much preparation and planning. Planning for the coronation begins several years in advance with preparations such as building special seating, designing ceremonial costumes and choosing music and readings for the service.
On the day of his coronation, the king and his entourage march from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in a spectacular procession with cavalry, brass bands and dignitaries from around the world. On arrival at the Abbey, the monarch is anointed, crowned and presented with the symbol of his office.
Coronations are powerful symbols of continuity and tradition in the British monarchy. They are a reminder of the long and rich history of the monarchy and the deep bond it has with the British people.
In summary, Westminster Abbey is one of the most historic and important churches in the world and has been the coronation site of England and British monarchs for over 900 years. A coronation is a solemn and striking occasion marking the beginning of a new reign, and a powerful symbol of the continuity and tradition of the British monarchy. The Abbey’s rich history and magnificent architecture make it the ideal venue for this capital event and guarantee that it will remain a place of great significance for generations to come.
Our tip: Buy tickets for Westminster Abbey online before your visit:The church of Westminster Abbey is one of the great sights of London and is extremely popular. It makes sense to buy the tickets for the church in advance at home on the internet. An audio guide is already included with the well-known and good ticket website Getyourguide. |
Westminster Abbey Tombs
A beautiful church with a rich history, Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most famous buildings. Abbeys have been the site of many important events throughout history, including the coronation of monarchs and the weddings of kings. However, Westminster Abbey is home to some of the most important tombs in British history. This article explores some of the most famous tombs in Westminster Abbey.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a national memorial in Westminster Abbey and honours the sacrifice of all fallen soldiers. The tomb is located in the nave and is made of Belgian marble. The tomb is inscribed with the words: “Because he did good to God and his house, they buried him among the kings”. The tomb was dedicated to King Albert I of Belgium. It is covered with a slab of black Belgian marble, which is from Dichterecke
Poets’ Corner is the area around Westminster Abbey where many famous poets, playwrights and novelists are buried. The area was originally called “Chaucer Corner” because the father of English literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, was buried here in the 1400s. Other notable figures buried at Poets’ Corner include William Shakespeare, Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling.
Tomb of Elizabeth I
One of England’s most famous monarchs, Elizabeth I is buried in a tomb she shares with her half-sister Mary I in Westminster Abbey. The tomb is in the Lady’s Chapel and is decorated with marble portraits of the two queens. A portrait of Elizabeth I is depicted holding an orb and scepter, symbolizing her royal power.
Grave of Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin, the famous scientist who developed the theory of evolution, is buried in the nave of Westminster Abbey. Darwin’s tomb is near the church entrance and is adorned with a simple stone tablet inscribed with his name and the dates of his birth and death.
The Tomb of Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton, the famous scientist who developed the laws of motion and gravity, is buried in the nave of Westminster Abbey. Newton’s tomb is near the church entrance and is adorned with a simple stone plaque bearing his name and the dates of his birth and death.
David Livingston’s Tomb
In the nave of Westminster Abbey is the tomb of the famous explorer and missionary David Livingstone, who spent many years in Africa. In Livingstone’s tomb is a statue of an explorer holding a book and a compass.
Tomb of Sir Winston Churchill
The nave of Westminster Abbey is the burial place of Sir Winston Churchill, the famous Prime Minister who ruled Britain during the Second World War. Churchill’s tomb is adorned with a simple stone tablet inscribed with his name and the dates of his birth and death.
Tomb of Admiral Nelson
In the nave of Westminster Abbey is buried Admiral Nelson, the famous British naval commander who defeated the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s tomb features a statue of the commander holding a telescope surrounded by four victories.
Tomb of Henry VII
Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, was buried in the Lady’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey. Henry VII’s tomb is adorned with beautiful statues of the king and surrounded by marble walls.