Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, more formally named the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, is one of Great Britain’s most famous religious buildings. This world-renowned building, is steeped in history and has been the traditional place of coronation, burial and marriages for numerous Kings and Queens. Benedictine monks first founded Westminster Abbey in 960AD, but much of the present church dates from 1245 whilst under the reign of Kind Henry III. The abbey’s two western towers are made of Portland stone, built in the Gothic Revival style and added between 1722 and 1745. The Abbey stands 31 m (101 ft), and is the burial site of over 3,300 notable individuals. These include seventeen monarchs, eight prime ministers, actors, statesmen, military leaders and even poets - including Sir Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. William the Conqueror was the first monarch to be crowned here on Christmas Day in 1066, a few months after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. The famous Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel is one of the most historically important seats in the world, and has been the centre point of coronations for over 700 years. On September 6th 1997, Westminster Abbey held the formal funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. She was later buried on her family estate in Althorp, Northamptonshire. On 29th April 2011, Westminster Abbey was the chosen location for the grand wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and on the 19th September 2022, the Abbey was the setting for HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral. The royal connection continues with a more joyous event on 6th May 2023, when King Charles III (formerly known as Prince Charles), is crowned during his Coronation Service.