Westminster Abbey architecture | How it was built and key features

John of Gloucester, a master mason, was instrumental in supervising Westminster Abbey's transformation under King Henry III in the 13th century. He integrated Gothic elements such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and flying buttresses, drawing inspiration from French cathedrals to shape the Abbey's architectural style.

Henry of Reyns, a pivotal figure in the history of English architecture, was one of the master masons who oversaw the 13th-century reconstruction of Westminster Abbey during King Henry III's reign. Influenced by the High Gothic styles of Reims, Amiens, and Chartres, he significantly shaped Westminster Abbey's iconic Gothic design.

Robert of Beverley, the lead master mason, played a significant role in constructing Westminster Abbey. With prior experience with his work on the choir and the transept of Beverley Minster in 1260, he brought invaluable expertise. His contributions shaped the abbey’s architecture, enhancing its grandeur as a cultural landmark in England.

Ptolemy Dean, the Surveyor of the Fabric, since 2012, helped in preserving and enhancing this Gothic structure. Dean designed the Weston Tower, the Abbey's first significant architectural addition in over 270 years. This structure, blending "steampunk gothic" with traditional elements, allows access to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries.

In 1220, Henry III laid the foundation for a new abbey but faced funding shortages. Devoted to St. Edward the Confessor, he resumed building in the grand Gothic style, employing Henry of Reyns, John of Gloucester, and Robert of Beverley. They incorporated Gothic elements like pointed arches and flying buttresses, and English features like single aisles and Purbeck marble columns.

Only one nave was completed when Henry III died in 1272, and construction paused. A century later, Abbot Nicholas Litlyngton resumed work on the nave’s western section, sticking to the original design, but with less details. This took 150 years, with Abbot John Islip adding the Jesus chapel and completing the nave vaulting. The upper sections of the west towers remained unfinished.

Westminster Abbey constantly sees new additions. The latest is an exterior turret with an elevator and stairs. It was designed by Ptolemy Dean and known as the Weston Tower - named after a donor. It is near the Chapter House and allows access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. A new building - Abbey Welcome Center - is in the works to accommodate welcome, security, and ticketing.

The exterior of Westminster Abbey has undergone restoration and renovation multiple times in different types of stones over the years. The most recent restoration was carried out from 1973-1995. A time capsule was embedded in the south side of the Abbey in 1989 to mark the completion of that side of the church. It included details of the work, photos of the workmen, and coins.

Statues of ten modern martyrs were erected above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey. The martyrs represent those who have been oppressed or persecuted for their faith and beliefs. Carved from limestone, these statues were unveiled at a service attended by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. The modern martyrs include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Wang Zhiming.

The Great North Door features various sculptures depicting Christ in Majesty blessing the Church and the World surrounded by Angels. Seated figures of the Apostles and figures in procession representing professions like music, sculpture, and history can be seen here. The central pillar at the North Door features a sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a Crowned Christ in her arms.

Westminster Abbey's interior is a masterclass in Gothic architecture, characterized by its towering pointed arches and elaborate ribbed vaulted ceilings that ascend nearly 102 feet. Decorative stone carvings embellish these structures, instilling a sense of awe and spiritual elevation, drawing everyone's gaze heavenward.

The Abbey's windows, glowing with ruby and sapphire stained glass, are set against a backdrop of subtle grey monochrome patterns. This bathes the interior in a mystical light, transforming the space with a kaleidoscope of colors. The Great West Window, installed in 1735, is one of the largest and most famous.

At the heart of the Abbey lies the historic Coronation Theatre, the anointed ground where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066. It is adorned with intricate medieval wood carvings and the venerable Coronation Chair, enveloping the space with the weight of centuries of history.

Positioned behind the high altar, the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, the Abbey's 11th-century founder, stands as a poignant testament to his legacy. The shrine's ornate sculptural work and the sanctity of the saint's relics endow this sacred space with an intense spiritual profundity.

Octagonal in shape, the Chapter House features tiered seating for eighty monks and a central pillar that branches out to a vaulted ceiling. Its construction was completed around 1255 as a part of Henry III’s reconstruction. The abbey's Surveyor, Sir George Gilbert Scott, modified the stone vault and roof and reinstated and re-glazed the windows.

The rose-shaped window with stained glass is a feature of Gothic architecture and can be found in the south and north transepts, designed by Sir James Thornhill. The south transept window features 11 Apostles. Some of its glass was replaced in 1902. The north transept window depicted Christ and the Apostles but was altered in the 19th century by John L. Pearson.