by Heather Bellingham

Created on: August 05, 2010

Westminster Abbey has been the United Kingdom’s coronation church since 1066, though the current building was predominantly built in the thirteenth century. It is also well known as the burial and memorial place for numerous kings and queens and other historical figures.

North Transept and Ambulatory

This is where visitors enter the Abbey. The rose window was installed in 1722 and designed by Sir James Thornhill. It depicts eleven of the twelve apostles (Judas is excluded). In the ambulatory is the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, whose shrine dates back from 1269. His remains are still present in this coffin. Public access to this area is now restricted to the delicate nature of its contents. The Confessor’s Chapel contains the tombs of Henry III, Edward I, and Henry V, who has the most elaborate tomb present.

Lady Chapel

This chapel is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Present here are the tombs of half-sisters Elizabeth I and Mary I.  Here are elaborate bronze doors which guard the entrance of the nave. Buried beneath the altar are Edward VI, James I, Charles II, and Queen Anne. Henry VII’s tomb is an elaborate monument of marble and bronze. Mary Queen of Scots is also buried here, and because her son commissioned the tomb, hers is taller and more elaborate than Elizabeth I.

South Ambulatory and Transept

Here sits the coronation chair, which has been in use since 1308. This area also includes Poet’s Corner. Here are burial places and monuments to numerous writers, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens,  Edmund Spenser, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Dr. Samuel Johnson, and Rudyard Kipling. There are also other figures, such as actor Sir Laurence Olivier. St. Faith’s Chapel is also open here for prayer.

Quire and Sanctuary

Here is the high alter. In front is a pavement dating back to 1268 that depicts the history of the world. Coronations have been held in this area since 1066. The quire is where monastic offices are chanted. The current choir consists of twenty-two boys and twelve vicars.

Cloisters and the Monastic Precinct

This is where the monks performed their daily tasks. The Pyx Chamber held a box containing all the standard pieces of gold and silver against which the current coinage was tested yearly. The enclosed garden in the Little Cloister is also something to check out, as it has been cultivated for 900 years.

Nave

Here you can witness the beautiful stained glass windows, and see the monument to Sir Isaac Newton, and see the graves of Charles Darwin and the Unknown Soldier.

Westminster Abbey’s Weekday schedule

7:30 am – Matins

8:00 am – Holy Communion

12:30 pm – Holy Communion

5:00 pm – Evensong

Westminster Abbey’s Saturday schedule

8:00 am – Holy Communion

9:00 am – Matins

3:00 pm – Evensong

Westminster Abbey’s Sunday schedule

8:00 am – Holy Communion

10:00 am – Matins

11:00 am – Sung Eucharist

11:15 am – Sung Eucharist

3:00 pm – Evensong

6:30 pm – Evening Service

Sources:

Westminster Abbey: A Short Tour ISBN 9781857594522

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