Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later, British monarchs. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, every coronation of English and British monarchs has been held here, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who were never crowned1. The Abbey has also been the setting for numerous royal weddings 2, most recently the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 20112.
History of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey’s origins can be traced back to the 10th century when Saint Dunstan and King Edgar installed a community of Benedictine monks on Thorney Island, a marshy island in the River Thames3. This location contributed to the abbey’s initial isolation and fostered its development as a monastic community4. Edward the Confessor began rebuilding the abbey in the mid-11th century to serve as his royal burial place3. This marked a significant turning point, establishing the abbey’s role as the site for royal coronations3. The abbey church was consecrated on 28 December 1065, shortly before Edward’s death5.
In the mid-13th century, King Henry III decided to rebuild the abbey in the Gothic style, drawing inspiration from cathedrals in Reims, Amiens, and Chartres3. This ambitious project resulted in the magnificent structure we see today, with its soaring arches, intricate carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows3. Henry III’s vision was to create a church that would not only be a place of worship but also a national sanctuary for royal ceremonies and burials4. Writer William Morris described Westminster Abbey as Britain’s “National Valhalla,” emphasizing its significance as a place of honor and remembrance for the nation’s heroes3.
The abbey has undergone various changes and additions throughout its history. In 1560, Queen Elizabeth I re-founded the abbey as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, marking a shift in its governance and religious affiliation6. Henry VII commissioned the Lady Chapel, which was consecrated in 15167. This masterpiece of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture is renowned for its spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling7. In the 18th century, Nicholas Hawksmoor designed the western towers, completing the abbey’s iconic façade3. Despite its long and complex history, Westminster Abbey retains its tradition of Christian worship and welcome to this day, with daily services open to all4.
Visiting Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors most days, but as a working church, some areas may be closed at times, and opening hours may be reduced8. It is recommended to plan for a visit duration of 2-3 hours to fully explore the abbey9. General opening times are:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (last entry)
- Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry)
- Sunday: Open for services only 8
When visiting, be sure to admire the abbey’s impressive interiors and significant collection of monumental sculptures, which represent the most important collection of such artwork in Britain10. Also, take note of the “Flag Days” tradition, where different flags are flown on the North Tower throughout the year to mark various occasions10. These include flags representing the Commonwealth Nations, St. Peter, the Abbey itself, the Union Flag, National Saints, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Standard10.
Ticket Prices
Entry prices from 1st October 2024 are as follows: 11
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | £30 |
| Adults 65+ and students | £27 |
| Abbey Association members | Free entry |
| Children (6-17 years) | £13 |
| Child (0 – 5) | Free |
| Families (1 adult and 1 child) | £30 |
Effective from 1st October 2024, adults receiving Universal Credit will pay a reduced rate of £1 for individual entry or a family ticket (1 adult and 1 child)11. This initiative makes the abbey more accessible to a wider range of visitors.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a great way to enhance your visit to Westminster Abbey. There are several options available:
- Verger-guided tours: Led by knowledgeable Abbey staff, these 90-minute tours provide access to areas not open to the general public, including the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor8. Tours run Monday – Saturday, and you can inquire about tour times by calling 020 7654 4832, Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm12.
- Abbey Highlights Tour: This 1.5-hour tour costs £6 and includes the Coronation Chair, Cosmati Pavement, Royal tombs, Grave of the Unknown Warrior, and Poets’ Corner13.
- Multimedia guides: Available in 14 languages and British Sign Language, these guides are included in the price of admission and offer a comprehensive overview of the abbey’s history and highlights8.
- Group visits: Guided tour groups of up to 20 visitors are welcome when accompanied by a Blue Badge Tourist Guide8.
Guided tours offer exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public, such as the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, providing a more in-depth and comprehensive experience14.
Photography Guidelines
Photography is generally permitted when visiting the Abbey, but not during services or live performances15. Please observe the following restrictions:
- No flash photography
- No selfie sticks
- No tripods 15
Notable Events
Westminster Abbey has been the venue for many significant events throughout British history, including:
- Coronations: Every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned in the Abbey, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII7. The Coronation Chair, used in coronations since 1308, is on display in the abbey7. Interestingly, the coronation of William the Conqueror was accompanied by a fire caused by his Norman troops, reflecting the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Norman Conquest16.
- Royal Weddings: Sixteen royal weddings have taken place at Westminster Abbey, including the weddings of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and Prince William and Catherine Middleton8.
- Funerals: The Abbey has hosted many state funerals, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 19976.
Famous People Buried or Memorialized
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of over 3,000 individuals who have played important roles in British history6.
Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place of many British monarchs17. Some of the most famous monarchs buried in the abbey include:
| Monarch | Reign | Burial Location |
|---|---|---|
| Edward the Confessor | 1042-1066 | |
| Henry III | 1216-1272 | |
| Edward I | 1272-1307 | |
| Edward III | 1327-1377 | |
| Richard II | 1377-1399 | |
| Henry V | 1413-1422 | |
| Henry VII | 1485-1509 | Henry VII’s Chapel |
| Edward VI | 1547-1553 | |
| Mary I | 1553-1558 | |
| Elizabeth I | 1558-1603 | |
| James I | 1603-1625 | |
| Charles II | 1660-1685 | |
| Mary II | 1689-1694 | |
| William III | 1689-1702 | |
| Queen Anne | 1702-1714 | |
| George II | 1727-1760 |
In addition to monarchs, Poets’ Corner is a section of the abbey dedicated to literary figures17. Some of the notable poets and writers buried or memorialized here include Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens17.
Finally, Westminster Abbey is the burial place of some of Britain’s most esteemed scientists17. These include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking17.
Conclusion
Westminster Abbey is a must-see destination for anyone visiting London. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and association with royalty and famous figures make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are interested in exploring its religious significance, admiring its artistic treasures, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this historic place, Westminster Abbey has something to offer everyone. A visit to Westminster Abbey is not just a journey through history, but an encounter with the soul of England.
Works cited
- www.thistle.com, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.thistle.com/blog/historic-moments-at-westminster-abbey
- Royalty – Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/royalty/
- Explore Westminster Abbey’s History | London’s Royal Church, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.london-tickets.co.uk/westminster-abbey/history/
- Westminster Abbey – Britannica Kids, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Westminster-Abbey/476337
- en.wikipedia.org, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Abbey
- The History of Westminster Abbey, London – Historic UK, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Westminster-Abbey/
- History of Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/history/history-of-westminster-abbey/
- Visit | Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/
- Westminster Abbey tour tickets – Visit London, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/610825-westminster-abbey
- Westminster Abbey London | Save with The London Pass®, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://londonpass.com/en/london-attractions/westminster-abbey
- Prices & entry times | Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-entry-times/
- Verger-guided tours – Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/guided-tours/
- Guided tours – Westminster Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/learning/schools/secondary/guided-tours/
- Westminster Abbey Guided Tour | Book Now – London Tickets, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.london-tickets.co.uk/westminster-abbey/tour/
- Photography in the Abbey, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/photography-in-the-abbey/
- Westminster Abbey: Historical ceremonies | British History Online, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3/pp401-411
- Burials and memorials in Westminster Abbey – Wikipedia, accessed on February 8, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burials_and_memorials_in_Westminster_Abbey