Westminster Abbey is a historic church and major visitor attraction in Westminster, London, located right next to the Houses of Parliament. Its history spans more than a thousand years, and it has served as the coronation church of English and later British monarchs since 1066. Today, Westminster Abbey is an active Anglican church and one of Britain’s most important historic monuments.
Westminster Abbey, officially known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is one of London’s most famous and historically significant buildings. Situated in Westminster, close to Parliament Square, it has, for centuries, been a central stage in Britain’s religious, political and cultural history. While still functioning as a working church, the Abbey is also one of the country’s most important historic attractions.
History of Westminster Abbey
The origins of Westminster Abbey date back to the 10th century, when a Benedictine monastery was established on the banks of the River Thames. The significance of the present church increased dramatically in the 11th century, when King Edward the Confessor commissioned a new church on the site. His burial there, followed by his later canonisation, turned Westminster into a major spiritual centre of the kingdom.
After the Norman Conquest, Westminster Abbey became the coronation church of England’s rulers. Since 1066, almost every English and later British monarch has been crowned there. The most recent coronation took place in May 2023, when King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned at the Abbey.
Architecture
The present Westminster Abbey is largely a Gothic masterpiece built in the 13th century during the reign of King Henry III. The building was expanded and modified over several centuries, and its architecture reflects multiple phases from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century. One of its most famous features is Henry VII’s Chapel, regarded as a masterpiece of late Gothic Perpendicular architecture in England.
The Abbey’s soaring nave and impressive vaulted ceilings create a powerful sense of space, making it one of Europe’s most significant church buildings. The interior also features some of the finest stained-glass windows in the country, glowing with colour when sunlight fills the church. The Lady Chapel is another notable example of late medieval architecture.
Tombs and memorials
Westminster Abbey is one of Britain’s most important burial and memorial sites. It is the final resting place, or place of commemoration, for numerous monarchs, scientists, writers and cultural figures. Among those buried in the Abbey are Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as scientific giants Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking.
Poets’ Corner is dedicated to literature and includes the graves of writers such as Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, along with memorials to many others, including William Shakespeare and the Brontë sisters.
Royal ceremonies at Westminster Abbey
Coronations
Westminster Abbey has served as the coronation church since 1066. William the Conqueror and 40 other monarchs have been crowned there. The most recent coronation was that of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023. A central symbol of the coronation tradition is the Coronation Chair, which has been used in ceremonies since the 14th century.
Weddings
The Abbey has also hosted several royal weddings. While such ceremonies were rare before the 20th century, ten royal weddings have taken place there since then. The most recent was the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Funerals
Westminster Abbey has been the setting for many royal funerals throughout its history. The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was the first royal funeral held at the Abbey in more than 260 years.
Westminster Abbey today
For visitors, Westminster Abbey offers far more than architectural splendour and history alone. Key highlights include the Coronation Chair, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the Royal Tombs, Henry VII’s Chapel and the Lady Chapel.
The Abbey remains a working church, with daily services that visitors may attend. For sightseeing, tickets are best booked in advance, especially during peak seasons, and guided tours offer access to areas normally closed to the public.
Thanks to its central location, Westminster Abbey is easy to combine with visits to nearby landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. As the historic heart of Westminster, the Abbey offers a unique insight into Britain’s national story in a single visit.
