London Weekend Break

Westminster Abbey

The first Westminster Abbey was a monastery for Benedictine monks and has been the location of every royal coronation from William the Conqueror onwards.

The life of the monastery changed when King Henry VIII dissolved it in 1540 and also made many changes and additions. Further refurbishments resulted from interventions in the sixteenth century and later changes made by Sir Christopher Wren.

Westminster Abbey doubles up as the final resting place for many of the aristocracy and also hosts state events like funerals and weddings.

Despite its association with pomp and ceremony, the Abbey is still a fully functional place of worship and daily services are held.

More information below the photo.

For the tourist though there is much to see, from the Tomb of the unknown warrior, representing the loss of over three quarters of a million British soldiers who fell during world war I, to the Sanctuary itself where the coronations take place.

There is also the Henry VII chapel and the Westminster Abbey museum with collections and replicas of armour, clothing and item used during the coronations.

Additionally, the Abbey possesses some of the most detailed and ornate ceiling vaulting you are ever likely to see and the external façade of the building requires nothing other than a camera to capture its elegant architecture.

The Abbey is just over the road from the Houses of Parliament (palace of Westminster).

The nearest tube stations are Westminster and St. James' Park.