The Coronation Church of British Monarchs
Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is one of the world's most magnificent Gothic buildings. For over a thousand years, this sacred space has been the setting for coronations, royal weddings, and the final resting place of monarchs, poets, scientists, and statesmen.
The Abbey's soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows represent the pinnacle of medieval craftsmanship. Every corner tells a story spanning ten centuries of British history.
Since the coronation of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066, every English and British monarch (with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who were never crowned) has been crowned in Westminster Abbey. The coronation chair, made in 1300 and used at every coronation since 1308, remains in the Abbey.
The most recent coronation was that of King Charles III in May 2023, continuing a tradition that spans nearly a millennium. The ceremony follows rituals that have evolved over centuries, combining ancient traditions with modern elements.
The Abbey has hosted numerous royal weddings, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (1947), Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011), and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in 1947. These occasions transform the Abbey into a stage for celebrations watched by millions worldwide.
One of the Abbey's most visited areas is Poets' Corner in the South Transept, where many of Britain's greatest writers are buried or commemorated. Geoffrey Chaucer was the first poet interred here in 1400, and since then, literary giants including Shakespeare, Dickens, Tennyson, and Kipling have been honoured.
The tradition continues today, with modern authors and poets receiving memorial stones, creating a unique literary pilgrimage site within the ancient walls.
Beyond its literary connections, Westminster Abbey honours figures from all walks of life. Scientists including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking rest here. Statesmen such as William Gladstone and Clement Attlee are commemorated alongside explorers, musicians, and military heroes.
Address: 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, times vary seasonally
Admission: Tickets required, book in advance recommended
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines)
