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Famous names of the Abbey

Explore a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, and statesmen, poets, heroes and villains. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066.

Memorial of the month

Learn about the lives and legacies of those remembered in the Abbey and discover how people from all walks of life have ended up in the nation's church.

The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is one of the most famous remembrance memorials in the country but Westminster Abbey's connections to remembrance stretch far beyond this grave's poppy border. Unearth the story of the Unknown Warrior, make a poppy and explore the stained-glass windows of the RAF chapel.

The Force of a Man and Brother - Siobhan

In 2017, Westminster Abbey invited young people from around London to respond to the stories and memories held in the fabric of the building. These young consultants reflected on their experience through a variety of outcomes creating a vibrant and eclectic body of work.

A joyful noise: the bells of Westminster Abbey

A joyful noise: the bells of Westminster Abbey:.

George V

King George V was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 22nd June 1911. He supported proposals for the burial of the Unknown Warrior in the Abbey.

About the Abbey

An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey has become a treasure house of artefacts. This is also the coronation church where some of the most significant people in Britain's history are buried or commemorated.

Abbey at home

Westminster Abbey is a wonderful place for you to discover as a family. Whether you want to become a royal for the day, create a new and exciting piece of art or sing with our world famous choir, there is something for everyone. We offer a varied programme throughout the year to help your family explore a thousand years of history. Join us in the Abbey every Saturday and during school holidays, or online on the first Saturday of the month.

Faith

Westminster Abbey is, first and foremost, a living, working church where people of all faiths and none are welcome. Be still and reflect about how faith weaves the Abbey's 1,000 year story together.

Communities Case Studies

Our Communities team at Westminster Abbey often works with young people on long-term projects, building relationships with community groups and organisations. Perhaps some of our previous projects and partnerships can serve as inspiration for our future together?

Virtual tours

Take a virtual tour inside Westminster Abbey. View treasures including the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, the High Altar and the Coronation Chair in detail.

The King Charles III Sacristy

We're constructing a new building - named in honour of HM The King - to transform the welcome we offer to the millions of people who come to the Abbey to enjoy one of the world’s great churches.

Booking information

Explore how you can bring over 1,000 years of faith and history to life with one of our free guided tours for teachers and trainee teachers of History and RE.

William I (the Conqueror)

William of Normandy, known as 'the Conqueror', was born in 1027. He invaded England and defeated Harold II at the battle of Hastings in 1066.

Granville Sharp

Abolitionist

A memorial tablet, by the sculptor Sir Francis Chantrey, was erected for slavery abolitionist Granville Sharp in the south transept of Westminster Abbey.

Plan your visit

Each year, we welcome over a million visitors. We’re generally open Monday to Saturday for visiting, and hold regular services to which all are welcome.

Attending a service

People from all over the world visit Westminster Abbey to join our services, which form part of a tradition of daily Christian worship.

Upcoming events

On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Join us this May and June as we unpack life beyond victory, with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict.

Summer Season: Beyond Victory