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Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, located near the Houses of Parliament, is more a historical site than a
religious site. Since 1066 every royal coronation,
with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII has taken
place in Westminster Abbey.
Burial Ground
The abbey also serves as
the burial ground for numerous politicians, sovereigns
and 
artists.
The abbey is stuffed with tombs, statues and monuments.
Many coffins even stand upright due to the lack of space.
In total approximately 3300 people are buried in the
Church and cloisters. Some of the most famous are Charles
Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton and David Livingstone.
Westminster Abbey
History
The history of the abbey starts in 1050, when King Edward
The Confessor decided to build an abbey. Only a small
part of this original Norman monastery, consecrated
in 1065, survived. The only representation of this original
building is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry.
Most of the present building dates from 1245 to 1272 when Henry III decided to rebuild the abbey in the gothic style. Large parts were later added: the Chapel of Henry VII was added between 1503 and 1512, while the two West Front Towers date from 1745. The youngest part of the abbey is the North entrance, completed in the 19th century.
Most of the present building dates from 1245 to 1272 when Henry III decided to rebuild the abbey in the gothic style. Large parts were later added: the Chapel of Henry VII was added between 1503 and 1512, while the two West Front Towers date from 1745. The youngest part of the abbey is the North entrance, completed in the 19th century.
The Nave
The abbey's nave 
is England's highest. In the nave you find the Grave
of the Unknown Warrior, a World War I soldier who died
on the battlefields in France and was buried here in
French(!) soil. Nearby is a marble memorial stone for
Winston Churchill. His body is not, like many fellow
prime ministers, buried in the abbey, but in Bladon.
is England's highest. In the nave you find the Grave
of the Unknown Warrior, a World War I soldier who died
on the battlefields in France and was buried here in
French(!) soil. Nearby is a marble memorial stone for
Winston Churchill. His body is not, like many fellow
prime ministers, buried in the abbey, but in Bladon.The Cloister
The Cloister 
was built in the 13th century. It was completely rebuilt after it was destroyed by a fire in 1298. The cloister was used by the Benedictine monks for meditation and exercise.
was built in the 13th century. It was completely rebuilt after it was destroyed by a fire in 1298. The cloister was used by the Benedictine monks for meditation and exercise.Chapter House
The beautiful octagonal Chapter
house 
is one of the largest of its kind in England. It has
an original tile floor dating from 1250 and 14th century
murals.
is one of the largest of its kind in England. It has
an original tile floor dating from 1250 and 14th century
murals.Henry VII Chapel
The Henry VII Chapel
(aka Lady Chapel), built 1503-1512, is one of the most
outstanding chapels of its time, with a magnificent
vault. The chapel has a large stained glass window, the
Battle of Britain memorial window. The window, which
dates from 1947 and replaces an original window that was damaged during World War II, commemorates fighter pilots and crew who died during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
(aka Lady Chapel), built 1503-1512, is one of the most
outstanding chapels of its time, with a magnificent
vault. The chapel has a large stained glass window, the
Battle of Britain memorial window. The window, which
dates from 1947 and replaces an original window that was damaged during World War II, commemorates fighter pilots and crew who died during the Battle of Britain in 1940.353
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Location
Broad Sanctuary, SW1
Subway
Westminster, St. James's Park
