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English
- Westminster Abbey
- Henry VII Lady Chapel
- Poets' Corner
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Coronations
- Burials and Tombs
- Choir
- Gardens
- Library & Research
- Bells
- Christmas
- Christmas in London
- London Theatre Tickets
- Harry Potter London Tours
- London Eye
- Tower of London
- Madame Tussauds London
- London To Windsor Castle Tours
- Up At The O2 Climb
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London To Stonehenge Tours
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Frameless London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace
- Downton Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
Contents
Take a look inside Westminster Abbey
What's inside Westminster Abbey
Apart from being the final resting place for more than 3000 people, this grand church is also sometimes called ‘Britain's Valhalla’, similar to the great, majestic hall located in Asgard in Norse Mythology.
The Cloisters
The Cloisters were once the busiest parts of the abbey, where the monks meditated and exercised. The current cloisters date from the 13th to 15th centuries; they were reconstructed after a fire in 1298. There is also a memorial fountain in the cloister garth which pays respects to Lancelot Capability Brown, an English landscape architect known as the last of the greats from the 18th century.
Poets’ Corner
A pilgrimage for literature lovers, Poets’ Corner has over 100 burials and memorials for poets and writers. The first poet to be buried here was Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales, in 1400. 200 years later, Edmund Spenser, the writer of The Faerie Queene, was buried here. Other writers remembered here include Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, C.S. Lewis, and Ted Huges.
More on Poets' Corner
Chapter House
If the Cloisters were where the monks meditated, the Chapter House was where they gathered with the abbot to pray or ‘hold chapter’. The construction of the Chapter house was completed around 1255 as a part of Henry III’s rebuilding of the abbey. It is the largest of its kind and is octagonal-shaped with tiered seating for up to 80 monks. It has a central pillar that fans out to form a vaulted ceiling.
Henry VII Lady Chapel
Henry VII Chapel was constructed in the 16th century, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is the burial place of over 15 kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth I, Edward V, Richard Duke of York, and George II. Henry VII spent huge sums on its construction, but it wasn’t completed until almost 6 years after his death. To honor his wishes, the king and his wife were buried under bronze effigies.
About Henry VII Chapel
Nave
After Henry III’s death, the abbey’s reconstruction stopped mid-way and the old Norman nave remained attached. The reconstruction restarted in 1376 and took almost 150 years to complete. The new design closely resembled the old design, but the decoration wasn’t as lavish. It also holds graves and memorials of Charles Darwin, Sir Winston Churchill, and Stephen Hawking.
Choir stalls
Westminster Abbey has been holding choir and music every day for over a thousand years. If you visit the abbey on any day, you will be able to hear the choir singing from their stalls, a tradition that goes back to the 10th century. Other stalls in the Choir are assigned to clergy, officers, and the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth countries when they attend the abbey’s services.
More on Westminster Abbey choir
Royal tombs
There are 30 monarchs buried at Westminster Abbey, beginning with Edward the Confessor. There is a shrine dedicated to him that stands right behind the High Altar. The tomb of Henry III is also nearby. Queen Elizabeth I was buried in Lady Chapel’s north aisle, with her half-sister, Queen Mary I. Charles II, Queen Anne, Queen Mary II, and King William III are buried in a vault in the south aisle.
About Westminster Abbey tombs
Modern Martyrs
Westminster Abbey is home to many memorials. But there is also one dedicated site to victims of Nazism, religious prejudice, and communism in the 20th century. Each statue is carved from limestone, all of which sit atop the West door, a place that had remained empty since the Middle Ages. Unveiled in 1998, the statues include Dr Martin Luther King Jr, St Oscar Romero, and Manche Masemola.
Pyx Chamber
One of the oldest surviving parts, the Pyx Chamber is a low vaulted room, part of the Undercroft. It lies off the East Cloister under the monks’ dormitory and gets its name from ‘Trial of Pyx’. It may have been used as a sacristy (storage for religious objects) during Henry III’s reign. Later, medieval chests for vestments and other important documents like treaties were stored here.
Coronation Chair
One of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world, the Coronation Chair sits in St George’s Chapel. Since 1308, the chair has been placed facing the High Altar for coronations. It encloses the Stone of Scone, upon which many Scottish monarchs sat for years. This chair was used for 38 coronations for reigning monarchs and 14 queen consorts who had separate coronation ceremonies.
Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries
Located 16 meters above the Floor, the Galleries allow you to see the Palace of Westminster and Chapter House on your way up. It holds some of the most prized possessions, including the Liber Regalis, a 14th-century guide to coronations and funerals, Henry VII's effigy head, the only thing surviving the King's funeral, the Royal Marriage License of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and more.
St Margaret's Church
St Margaret's Church is a historic Anglican church known as the "parish church of the House of Commons," serving as a place of worship for over 500 years. Originally founded in the 12th century, the building dates back to the late 15th century, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles. The church has seen many events in British history, including the weddings of Sir Winston Churchill.
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Frequently Asked Questions about what's inside Westminster Abbey
What is the architectural style of Westminster Abbey's interior?
The interior of Westminster Abbey is predominantly Gothic, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
What is the oldest part of Westminster Abbey?
The oldest part of the Abbey is the Undercroft, part of the original Norman structure built under King Edward the Confessor and used as a burial place for monks.
What are the cloisters used for in Westminster Abbey?
The cloisters in Westminster Abbey were historically used for meditation and prayer by the monks. Today, they serve as a passageway connecting different parts of the Abbey, including the Chapter House and the College Garden.
What does the Chapter House in Westminster Abbey contain?
The Chapter House is known for its octagonal shape and stunning medieval tiled floor. It was historically used for daily meetings by the monks and for early Parliament gatherings.
What unique artifacts are housed in Westminster Abbey?
Among its many treasures, the Abbey houses the Westminster Retable, England's oldest altarpiece, and the effigies of medieval kings and queens.
