Westminster Abbey and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Abbey remains open for worship and you are welcome to join us at our daily Eucharist service if you are able to travel here safely within current government guidelines.
However, for the time being we are unable to open the Abbey and St Margaret’s Church for general visiting.
Visit St Margaret's
Westminster Abbey places the highest importance on the health, safety and well-being of our visitors and staff. In response to the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK, visiting at St Margaret's is currently suspended.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Sir Walter Raleigh
Buried near the high altar is the dashing explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. His life is commemorated in the west widow.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Blanche Parry
A moving memorial to Blanche Parry, initially nurse-maid, and later the personal maid of Queen Elizabeth I.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The Speaker’s Pew and Portcullis Motif
Since 1681, the Speaker of the House of Commons has had the sole use of the front pew opposite the lectern. The Portcullis is the symbol of the Commons, and is found throughout the church.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The East Window
Marvel at the magnificent 16th century east window, made to commemorate the marriage of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Winston Churchill
See where the war-time Prime Minister was married, and where he brought the House of Commons to pray with thanksgiving for the end of the Second World War.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The Piper windows
The strikingly abstract stained windows in the south aisle were designed by John Piper, and replaced those damaged during the Second World War.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Olaudah Equiano
Early abolitionists had strong ties with St Margaret’s. Olaudah Equiano was baptised in the church’s font in 1759.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Cornelius van Dun
Served as a Yeoman of the Guard under four Tudor monarchs. His brightly painted memorial bust, recording his philanthropy, is meant to inspire generosity to the needy.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
John Milton
Renowned poet John Milton married his second wife in the church in 1656. Look at the window in the north aisle showing scenes from his life and poetry.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Samuel Pepys
Married in St Margaret’s in 1655, Samuel Pepys’ diaries record that when he attended church, Pepys slept ‘til sermon was done’.
History of St Margaret's
It may seem surprising to find another large church standing so close to the might and magnificence of Westminster Abbey.
Why another church?You are surrounded by history at the Abbey, not like a museum where it’s just displayed, but here you are standing where history has happened.
