Events at the Abbey

The two magnificent west towers, above the Great West Door, were the last major construction work to be carried out on the Abbey, constructed from Portland stone between 1722 and 1745 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor. On top of the north tower sits a flag pole on which the Abbey flies flags—of the Commonwealth Nations on their National Days, and also the Flag of St Peter, the Abbey Flag, the Union Flag, the Flags of the National Saints, the Royal Air Force Flag, and the Royal Standard.

The Flag of St Peter—red with a pair of Golden Cross Keys, together with the Ring of St Edward the Confessor. This flag combines the symbols of the two Patron Saints of the Abbey: the ring of St Edward the Confessor, king of England 1043–1066 and founder of the Abbey in 1065; and the keys of St Peter, keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven, after whom the Abbey was named when it was re-founded as a Collegiate Church in 1579. It is flown on most Church Festivals, such as the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christmas Day.

The Abbey Flag—this bears the coat of arms of Westminster Abbey, and is flown on all occasions of local importance and significance. The Sovereign being the Visitor of the Collegiate Church, this Flag is always flown on Accession Day, Coronation Day, the Sovereign’s Official Birthday, the Birthdays of the Royal Family and the Wedding Day of the Sovereign.

The Union Flag is flown on Remembrance Sunday.

The Flags of the National Saints—George, Andrew, and Patrick, are flown on their respective days.

The Welsh Dragon Flag is flown on St David’s Day.

The Royal Air Force Flag is flown on the Commemoration of the Battle of Britain.

The Royal Standard is flown whenever the Sovereign is within the Abbey or its Precincts. It is also flown whenever the Sovereign opens Parliament, a privilege granted by King Edward VII.

Flag List 2011

Notes:

1. A Flag will be flown at all times over the Abbey. If no other flag is specified below, the default flag is the small Abbey flag.
2. The large Abbey and the large St Peter flag are to be flown as shown below, marked L Abbey or L St Peter.
3. am denotes the flag Is hoisted at 8am when BST Is observed and at 9 am when GMT Is observed, and hauled down at 12 noon [or as otherwise stated].
4. pm denotes the flag is hoisted at 12 noon and hauled down at sunset [or as otherwise indicated].
5. A Commonwealth Flag is only flown if the High Commissioner, Honorary Consul or a representative attends Evensong and is to be flown on the day they attend.
6. The Royal Standard Is To Be Flown When The Sovereign Is In The Precincts Or At The State Opening Of Parliament.
7. The Abbey Flag Is To Be Flown During A State Visit When The Head Of State Visits The Grave Of The Unknown Warrior.
8. On the Eve of a festival ** the relevant flag should be raised before Evensong and remain until sunset on the day of the festival.