Westminster Abbey
View of Westminster Abbey front

Visiting Westminster Abbey

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Richard
  • March 7, 2022
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Built in 1065 by King Edward the Confessor (Edward I), Westminster Abbey is probably one of the most famous churches in the world. It has been the site of coronations and other events of national significance for over 1,000 years. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned there in 1953, an event famously televised for the first time.

Westminster Abbey from Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gallery Balcony
A view of the Abbey interior from a balcony on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gallery

Recognizing the Greats

In addition to being a site for coronations, funerals, and weddings, the Abbey recognizes individuals who have performed a great service to Britain, or achieved great things – from poets to mathematicians to royalty.

Charles Darwin’s Memorial
Charles Darwin is remembered here also, among many others.
Memorial and Remains of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking’s ashes were buried here.
Sir John A. McDonald
A plaque for the first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. McDonald
Sir Isaac Newton Memorial
Memorial to Sir Isaac Newton

Something to note is that Westminster Abbey is not technically an abbey anymore. At one time, it was filled with monks and priests, and operated as a formal church. It still is a church, however, the church belongs to the Queen of England instead of a bishop, and as such, is considered a royal church. Thus, anybody to be recognized here, must be approved by the Queen herself.

King Edward’s Chair (Coronation Chair)

The Coronation Chair (King Edward’s Chair)
King Edward’s Chair, or the Coronation Chair, was built in 1296 and has been used for coronations ever since. It is covered in carvings due to (what people believe) were school boys in Westminster School carving on it. Little shits!

The Jerusalem Chamber

Jerusalem Chamber, Westminster Abbey
The Jerusalem Chamber. This is the room where much of the work to create the King James Bible (translating it from Latin) was performed, as well as where planning meetings for the project were held.
Ceiling of the Jerusalem Chamber
The ceiling of the Jerusalem Chamber (restored)
Wood Panelling in Jerusalem Chamber
The original wood panelling in the chamber (dating to the 1500’s). It would have good acoustical properties also, acting like a baffle of sorts.
Stained Glass in Jerusalem Room
Detail of Stained Glass Window in Jerusalem Room

More Views of the Abbey

The sheer scale of this place is breathtaking. And to think how long ago this was built!
A view of the courtyard, which retains much of its medieval charm.
More views of the courtyard
A stairway and door in the courtyard, showing their age
Zooming out a bit we can see the impressive tower jutting towards the sky,
This giant wooden door guarded the Pyx Chamber. It’s one of the oldest parts of the abbey, dating to 1070. It was used to stored gold, silver and other precious items.
A view of one set of organ pipes. The wall opposite has a matching set. I would love to hear these played.
Cris walks down a hallway surrounding another courtyard.
A view of the courtyard… and… blue – yes blue – sky. Tis a blessed day in London…
Another view of the courtyard
Through this door are private residences and areas for abbey staff. I enjoyed how the doorway framed this view.
The crenelations here feel quite castley.
More castle architecture
Westminster School, adjacent to the abbey, is where the little shits who carved the coronation chair came from. This school needs more funding for teachers to keep the kids from destroying historical artifacts.
Winged Skull
I have affectionately named this “Skull Guy”
Fancy Chairs
Those are some fancy-ass chairs.
Just a view from around the corner of King Edward I’s tomb
King Edward the Confessor (Edward I) Tomb
King Edward I (the Confessor)’s monument and effigy. Edward was responsible for founding Westminster Abbey. He holds a ring because it’s believed he gave a ring to a beggar once, and that beggar was St. John the Evangelist, who returned the ring to Edward before he died.

The Lady Chapel

Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel is the burial place of 15 kings and queens, including Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Mary Queen of Scots.
Tomb of King Henry VII & Elizabeth of York
Tomb of King Henry VII & Elizabeth of York
Detail of the Fan Vaulted Ceiling
Detail of the gorgeous Fan-Vaulted Ceiling

Westminster Abbey Library

Books in the Westminster Abbey Library
The Abbey holds a library 1400 books, many of them pre-dating the 1800’s. This includes extensive records of the Abbey, events that took place there, its construction and maintenance, and other important historical records.
Bookshelf Ends in Westminster Abbey Library
Bookshelf Ends in Westminster Abbey Library
Bookshelf Detail
Bookshelves in the abbey are topped with ornate carvings.
Book in Abbey
Some books were on display under a glass case. I don’t know what this was, but it’s old.
Another page from an old manuscript in the library
A page from a manuscript in the library detailing the passing of Katherine Knowles. Many books in the library consist of official records of burials, weddings and coronations that have taken place there.
Poor Drawing of a Lady in a Book in Westminster Abbey Library
This monk drawded good.
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