London Art Tours - for the visitor to London who wishes to view and experience the incomparable art and architecture of the city, its galleries and exhibitions.

[London Art Tours - National Gallery, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Tate Modern]


Westminster Abbey

Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA
tel: 020-7222 5152
www.westminster-abbey.org
tube: St. James's Park/Westminster

Mon-Fri 9:30-15:30, Weds 9:30-18:00

Sat 9:30-13:30

Please note that the Cathedral is open for worship but closed to visitors on Sundays

admission; £12, £9 (conc)

 [Westminster Abbey]
Westminster Abbey is perhaps the most famous church in Britain.

It has been associated with royalty since the very beginning, indeed it was founded by a King of England - Edward the Confessor in the 11th century. Later canonised, his tomb has survived to this day, the only English saint whose remains are still in their medieval shrine.

It is here that every King and Queen of England has been crowned since 1066 - with just two exceptions. You will see the Coronation Chair in which has sat the last 28 of those monarchs. It was last used for the coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Joyful occasions are mixed with sad ones. It was here in 2002 that the funeral took place of H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and in 1997 the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales. You will see the pulpit from which her brother Earl Spencer made that extraordinary speech, broadcast to a grieving nation and the world beyond.

Although this is the resting place for 13 Kings and 14 Queens, there are in total 3,300 known burials and more than 600 commemorated with monuments or tablets. Among them are the most famous men and women in British history: for example Dickens, Chaucer, Darwin, Purcell, Handel, Johnson, Newton. Some of the memorials are grouped to have a common theme, such as Musician's Aisle and, most famously, Poet's Corner.

The building we see today dates from many periods. Although main part of the church dates from the 13th and 14th century there have been important additions. Henry VII's Chapel dates from the early years of the 16th century and is a fine example of a Gothic style unique to Britain - the Perpendicular. The famous West front was built in the 18th century.

  • Prtrait of King Richard II, c.1398
  • Tomb of the unknown warrior
  • Cosmati pavement, 1269
  • Shrine of King Edward the Confessor, 1269
  • Henry VII's Chapel, 1503-19
  • Coronation chair, 1296
  • Royal tombs
  • Poet's Corner
  • Chapter House, c.1250
Westminster Abbey represents nearly a thousand years of British history. It is too important a site to be rushed and a London Art Tours guide will ensure that you have sufficient time to absorb the full majesty of this incredible place.

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