Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is considered to be the most important religious building of Great Britain. With three exceptions, all rulers of England since 1066 were coronated here. Three thousand British rulers and other important figures are buried in this Gothic Abbey.
The temple of the Church of England is located on the left bank of the river Thames in central London. Originally, there was a Benedictine monastery which was converted to an Abbey in 1050. Inspired by French cathedrals, it was converted to a Gothic building in the 13th century. Three of the original gardens can be visited, as well as a museum displaying funeral paintings, armour, and other objects from the 13th century. In the Lady Chapel, visitors can admire a richly decorated chapel in which queens Elizabeth I. and Mary I. are buried. A tower clock, commonly known as Big Ben, is also part of the Abbey. During Christmas, a Christmas tree chosen by the Queen of England adorns Westminster Abbey. Photographs are forbidden in all parts of the Abbey.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
The nearest stations to Westminster Abbey are:
- underground station Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle Lines)
- underground station St. James’s Park (District and Circle Lines)
- bus station Parliament Square
- bus station Westminster Abbey
Opening hours and admission
Updated information about the opening times and entry prices can be accessed on the official website of Westminster Abbey. Here you can also find the times of church service as well as of guided visits, during which you can also visit the otherwise inaccessible Chapel of St Edward. Concerts and other events are organized in the Abbey. More information here.
Interesting facts about Westminster Abbey
The remains of the scientist Charles Darwin, of the writer Rudyard Kipling, or of Charles Dickens are located in one part of the church called the Poets’ corner. The most famous tomb belongs to Sir Isaac Newton, adorned by statues and paintings. The original oak throne of King Edward is also preserved in the abbey which is used by the bishop of Canterbury during coronations. Westminster Abbey is likewise the site used for royal weddings, with the first one taking place in 1100. The original building’s conversion to a gothic abbey consumed such a fortune that it is considered the most expensive church construction project of the Middle Ages.