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Worship at the Abbey

The Octave of St Edward the Confessor
11 - 17 October 2010

During Edwardtide, we celebrate the life of Edward the Confessor, King of England 1042–1066, the re-founder of Westminster Abbey.  Canonised in 1161, to this day pilgrims come to pray at his shrine.

Join us in this Octave to commemorate the life and work of Edward, King and Confessor, in a week of prayer and praise, sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey.

All are welcome to attend. Tickets are not required.

Principle Services

Tuesday 12 October:

5.00 pm Evensong

Sung by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.

Wednesday 13 October: THE TRANSLATION OF EDWARD THE CONFESSOR, KING, 1163, 1269

On 13 October 1163 St Edward’s body was moved, or ‘translated’, to a Shrine in the church he had built.  On 13 October 1269 his relics were translated to the Shrine in the present church as part of its Liturgy of Dedication.  Although St Edward’s day of death (5 January) is also commemorated at Westminster Abbey, the Feast of the Translation is the principal celebration of St Edward’s life and holiness.

5.00 pm Sung Eucharist

The Abbey bells mark this day by the ringing of a full peal. This service will be followed by refreshments in the Nave.

Saturday 16 October: National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor

All day pilgrimage: visits to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, lectures, and children's activities.

11.30 am Festival Eucharist

This Festival Eucharist celebrates St Edward’s life and holiness on the day of the national pilgrimage to his shrine.

3.00 pm Evensong and Procession

Evensong and Procession this evening marks the beginning of the Feast of Dedication of Westminster Abbey.

Sunday 17 October: DEDICATION OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY, 1269

The Feast of Dedication of a church is a celebration of the church building as a house of God and place of prayer.

The present Abbey Church was dedicated in 13 October 1269.  Since 13 October is the principal feast of St Edward, at the Abbey we keep the Feast of Dedication on the following Sunday.

11.15 am Sung Eucharist

3.00 pm Evensong attended by The Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayors of the London Boroughs.

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