HM The Queen unveils Sacristy foundation stone
Wednesday, 14th May 2025
Her Majesty The Queen visited Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 14th May to unveil the foundation stone for The King Charles III Sacristy - a new building which is being constructed to transform the welcome the Abbey offers the millions of people who come from around the world to enjoy one of the world’s great churches.
Her Majesty is the project's Patron.
The Queen welcomed by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who - along with the architect behind the project, Ptolemy Dean, and the Abbey's Clerk of the Works, Ian Bartlett - showed her the site of the new building and the progress made since her last visit in October.
The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, President of the Sacristy Appeal, gave a brief address, and Mrs Catherine Armitage gave a reading from Ephesians 2: 'In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.'
Prayers were said by The Right Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence. The Abbey Choir sang Anton Bruckner's anthem Locus Iste.
The Dean invited The Queen to unveil the foundation stone, which was designed by Ptolemy Dean and carved by Abbey stonemason Mark Croll. Its cinquefoil design reflects a motif which is found throughout the Abbey.
A modern welcome on a medieval footprint
Designed in sympathy with the Abbey's Gothic architecture, the new building will reflect the history of the original Sacristy by freeing the Abbey for worship and pilgrimage. It will house state-of-the-art welcome, ticketing and security facilities, replacing those currently occupying the north transept, and will serve as a gathering place on state occasions.
The project will also see visitors and worshippers following in the footsteps of royalty by entering the Abbey through the Great West Door – the ceremonial entrance used for royal weddings, funerals and coronations for centuries. From here, they will enjoy magnificent views of the full length of the church and be inspired by the Abbey as it really is: a House of God and a House of Kings.
A tour of the Abbey
After visiting the Sacristy site, Her Majesty toured the Abbey church, where she met staff who welcome visitors year-round. She then met Alan Titchmarsh, Sacristy Project Ambassador, before entering the historic Jerusalem Chamber to meet the project team and supporters.
Preserving the Abbey in all its beauty and wonder
Built in the 1250s and an integral part of Henry III's Abbey, the medieval Sacristy was where the monks kept vestments, altar linens and other artefacts needed for their daily worship, allowing the Abbey itself to be preserved in all its beauty and wonder as a sacred space. There are indications that it also played a crucial role in the life of the Abbey as a place for the formation of processions.
Support the project
Fundraising for the project has begun, and the construction phase is due to be completed in 2026. You can support us by making a donation and help us to transform our visitor welcome.
