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Contents
Westminster Abbey history | London’s royal church’s timeless legacy
Westminster Abbey history explained
960: Establishment of Benedictine monastery
Founded around 960 AD, Westminster Abbey began as a Benedictine monastery on Thorney Island, a marshy delta where the Tyburn's two streams met the Thames. Its strategic location likely influenced its establishment. This initial monastery laid the foundation for what would evolve into a symbol of English history and architecture.
1065: Construction of the present church
In 1065, the dedication of a new church by Edward the Confessor marked a significant turning point for Westminster Abbey, establishing its role as the site for royal coronations. This set the stage for the Abbey to become a central venue for national ceremonies, solidifying its status as a symbol of British heritage and tradition.
1245: Rebuilding Edward's church
In 1245, Henry III initiated a reconstruction of Edward the Confessor's church into the Gothic style. This decision increased the Abbey's grandeur and cemented its role as a symbol of royal authority and religious importance. The introduction of Gothic elements during this renovation has contributed to the Abbey's iconic appearance.
1470-1483: Westminster Abbey as a Sanctuary
The Abbey was a chartered Sanctuary that gave immunity from justice to traitors, felons debtors, and important political figures within its walls and in designated houses nearby, under certain strict conditions. The Abbot of Westminster, Thomas Millyng, took care of the royal family and Edward V was born and baptised while in Sanctuary.
1539: Dissolution and restoration
Westminster Abbey faced a threat during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. Henry VIII declared the Abbey a cathedral in 1540 to preserve it, exempting it from destruction. This move allowed it to maintain its role in royal ceremonies and as a burial site for notable figures. In 1556, it was restored to its original status as a collegiate church.
1560: Westminster Abbey termed ‘Royal Peculiar’
In 1560, Queen Elizabeth I reinstated Westminster Abbey as a ‘Royal Peculiar’, affirming its status as a place of worship directly governed by the monarchy rather than the diocese. This decree not only underscored the Abbey's connection to the Crown but also highlighted its role in the lengths of British heritage.
1727: Burial of Sir Issac Newton
The burial of Sir Isaac Newton in 1727 marked a defining moment, establishing it as a preeminent resting place for important British figures. By 1900, it had evolved into Britain's 'National Valhalla,' as described by writer William Morris, celebrating its status as a burial space for the nation's revered scientists, politicians, and military heroes.
1953: Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
The 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the first fully televised coronation, marked a defining moment in broadcasting history. This event highlighted Westminster Abbey's role as a venue for grand ceremonies and sparked a surge in television ownership, underlining the ceremony's appeal and the Abbey's international importance.
2011: Prince William and Katherine’s wedding
The wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey reaffirmed the venue’s tradition as a site for royal weddings, a tradition extending over 900 years. Their marriage on April 29 2011, highlighted the Abbey’s elegance and role in modern ceremonies and new beginnings within the royal family.
2022: Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 was a recent somber event that reinforced the Abbey’s role in the British monarchy. Serving as a solemn venue for key royal ceremonies, the Abbey became a place of national reverence and remembrance, highlighting its association with the monarchy throughout centuries of British history.
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Construction of Westminster Abbey
The construction of Westminster Abbey, a Gothic cathedral in London, commenced in 1245 under the directive of King Henry III. The project, led by masons like Henry of Reyns, John of Gloucester, and Robert of Beverley, drew inspiration from cathedrals such as Reims, Amiens, and Chartres. This influence was evident in the adoption of features such as an apse with radiating chapels, pointed arches, ribbed vaulted ceilings, extensive cloisters, and innovative flying buttresses.
Despite the challenges posed by the project's scale, the demand for highly skilled labor, and the complex logistics of material procurement, the construction of the abbey emerged as a testament to the zenith of Gothic architectural achievement, marrying scale with detail to forge a lasting symbol of historical and architectural distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey history
What makes Westminster Abbey a ‘Royal Peculiar’?
Westminster Abbey is a ‘Royal Peculiar’, which means it is directly under the jurisdiction of the monarch, not a bishop, and has this status granted by Elizabeth I in 1560.
Who are some of the famous people buried at Westminster Abbey?
Notable figures include monarchs like Elizabeth I, scientists like Sir Isaac Newton, and writers like Geoffrey Chaucer.
Are there any significant artifacts or exhibits related to Westminster Abbey's history?
The Abbey houses numerous treasures, including medieval manuscripts, the coronation chair, and memorials to famous historical figures like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
Is there a guided tour focused on Westminster Abbey’s history?
Yes, guided tours are available that delve into the Abbey’s rich history, including its role in British coronations, royal burials, and key historical events.
How has Westminster Abbey evolved over the centuries?
Over the years, Westminster Abbey has been shaped by various monarchs, from its original Norman structure to the Gothic design initiated by Henry III in the 13th century. Originally a Benedictine monastic church, it evolved into a national sanctuary for royal ceremonies and burials and an iconic venue for significant cultural events.
What is a lesser-known historical fact about Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey was once an island surrounded by the River Thames. It was originally called "West Minster" to distinguish it from St Paul's Cathedral, known as "East Minster."
