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History

Royalty and famous people

More than 3,300 people are buried and many others commemorated at Westminster Abbey. This has also been the setting for every coronation since 1066, and for many other royal occasions, including 16 weddings.

Art

Our collection of religious art and artefacts includes England’s oldest altarpiece, important wall paintings, the remarkable Cosmati Pavement and a new stained-glass window by David Hockney.

Parts of the Abbey you can see today

When you visit us, you can explore some of the most interesting places in our buildings – all with a fascinating history.

Other parts you can read about

Some of our medieval rooms and buildings aren’t open to the public, but you can enjoy reading about them.

Ceremony

Westminster Abbey is where the great ceremonial events in the life of the nation are celebrated.

A long history of worship

The Abbey has been a place of regular Christian worship since we were founded as a Benedictine monastery in 960AD.

Commemoration

Following major conflicts, we’ve been a place for commemorating those who lost their lives.

The Shrine of St Edward the Confessor is one of the most powerful features of the Abbey. To stand in the presence of a man who is both a saint and a monarch is awe-inspiring.

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The Reverend Christopher Stoltz - Minor Canon

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