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Contents
Westminster Abbey facts
It belongs to the Sovereign, not the Church of England
Westminster Abbey falls into the category of ‘Royal Peculiar’ because instead of belonging to the Church of England, it belongs to the Sovereign. Its official name is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. However, in its early days, it was used by Benedictine monks as a monastery, hence the name Westminster Abbey, a nickname that has stuck around to this day.
Resting place for more than 3300 people
Initially, the abbey was to serve as the resting place of all the Kings of England. However, in its later years, anyone who could afford to be buried in the abbey was given a spot there. Today, it contains the tombs of many renowned figures including Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer, Stephen Hawking, George Frederic Handel, Charles Dickens, and many more.
More on Burials & Tombs
A place for coronation since 1066
Westminster Abbey has been the official coronation church for British Monarchs since the year 1066. In total, 39 coronations have taken place in the abbey, the most recent being in 1953 of the current monarch, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Even the chair from 1308 that was used for these coronations still sits inside the Abbey.
More on Westminster Abbey Coronations
Many royal weddings took place here
Other than being the official church for coronations, Westminster Abbey is also known to host royal weddings. So far there have been 17 royal weddings, the most recent of which was that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Even the current Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II (Princess Elizabeth at the time) was married to Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey in 1947.
Oldest door in the world
Westminster Abbey has the only surviving Anglo Saxon door in the whole country, dating back to the year 1050. A tree-ring dating analysis showed that the door was built from a single tree in Hainault. The tree is believed to have grown between 924 and 1030. Another discovery revealed that the hiding covering the door could possibly be human skin. According to a legend, the skin nailed to the door was used as a warning to stop people from committing crimes.
Inside Westminster Abbey
Cosmati Pavement predicts the end of the world
The sanctuary floor inside the Abbey is decorated with a Cosmati pavement. Made with thousands of cut pieces of porphyry and mosaic, the pavement is believed to have calculated when the world will end - in 19,683 years. You can also notice the brass lettering on the pavement, giving us the date the pavement was created - 1268, where it came from - Rome, and who the ruler was at that time - Henry III.
The stolen Stone of Destiny
In 1296, the Stone of Destiny or the Stone of Scone, as it is known in Scotland, was brought to Westminster Abbey. Edward I had the stone removed from Scotland to be kept under the coronation chair for hundreds of years to come. On Christmas Eve in 1950, four students from Glasgow broke into the Abbey and stole the Stone of Destiny. Eventually, the stone was found buried in a field in Kent after which it was returned to Scotland in 1996.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site
Westminster Abbey is one of the most significant and oldest buildings in the country. For centuries, it has been used for many important purposes including coronations, royal weddings, and as a final resting place of British Monarchs and other renowned individuals. The church’s significance to the history of Britain was formally identified when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
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Frequently asked questions about Westminster Abbey facts
When was Westminster Abbey built?
The construction of the current building of Westminster Abbey began in 1245 and was halted after the death of King Henry III. The nave remained incomplete until it was constructed in the 14th century.
How big is Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is spread across 32,000 sq. ft.
Are there any bells at Westminster Abbey?
Yes, there are 10 bells at Westminster Abbey that ring whenever the abbey is conducting services.
Why is Westminster Abbey called the Royal Peculiar?
Westminster Abbey is a working church. However, it belongs to the Sovereign instead of the Church of England. Which means that it functions independently of the Church of England, giving it the name Royal Peculiar.
How many people are buried at Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for more than 3300 people, including 17 British Monarchs, some famous scientists, poets, artists, authors, politicians, and many more.
How many British monarchs have been crowned at Westminster Abbey?
Since William the Conqueror in 1066, all but two English and British monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey.
Does Westminster Abbey have any notable windows?
Yes, the Abbey features several critical stained glass windows, including those in the Lady Chapel, some of the finest in England.
