by Patricia Watson

Created on: December 22, 2011   Last Updated: December 23, 2011

 Open to visitors every day except Sunday, Westminster Abbey stands proudly alongside Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and is located not far from the River Thames in central London.

History

Prior to 1245 visitors to the area where Westminster Abbey currently stands would not have seen this grand structure with its towering arches, but probably a rather austere square shaped building that was home to Benedictine monks. The original Norman styled Abbey was said to have been commissioned around 1050 by King Edward the Confessor, who it is said, negated on his promise to go on a pilgrimage and was instructed by the Pope to build an Abbey.

During the reign of Henry lll (1216-1272) parts of the Norman Abbey were demolish and the rebuilding of the current Abbey began in honor of Edward the Confessor. The Abbey took a number of years to build, the facade was not completed until the 1400’s. and the two western towers added in the 1700’s.

During its lifetime the Abbey has witnessed many state occasions including burials, weddings and coronations and has survived many troubles, including the reformation in the 1500’s, attack by puritans in the 1600’s  and two world wars. In more recent times the Abbey has witnessed happier times including the marriage and coronation of the present Queen of England and the union of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

What to See

The visitor to the Abbey will be advised to set aside the best part of the day to see the many interesting features that the building has to offer and also wear comfortable shoes.

Entering the Abbey the visitor should take time to enjoy the atmosphere and whilst exploring the building take note of the large number of graves and tombs of royalty, dignitaries, poets, soldiers and many others. Areas of particular interest in the Abbey are the high alter with its marble flooring located in the centre of the Abbey. The chapel containing the shrine to Edward the Confessor, Poets Corner, Henry Vll Lady Chapel, the Nave, the Unknown Soldiers Grave and St Catherine’s Chapel Gardens.

Visitors will benefit by obtaining a guide book, an audio or verger led tour as there is so much to see and learn.

The building is wheelchair accessible although some of the floors are uneven. Photography is not allowed in any part of the building and visitors are requested to wear appropriate dress.

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