Westminster Abbey and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Abbey is no longer open for public worship, general visiting or private prayer. Meanwhile, the community of Abbey clergy are continuing to worship and pray, in-line with government guidance. They are also producing a podcast to mark key liturgical events.
Find out moreServices & times
Edwardtide
Remembering St Edward, 13th-18th October 2020
During Edwardtide, we celebrate the life of St Edward the Confessor, King of England 1042–1066 and the re-founder of Westminster Abbey. St Edward was canonised in 1161, and to this day, pilgrims come to pray at his shrine.
Join us in this feast to commemorate the life and work of St Edward, king and confessor, in prayer and praise. Everyone's welcome, and you don't need a ticket.
Services
Tuesday 13th October 2020 – The Translation of St Edward the Confessor, 1163, 1269
5.00pm – Sung Eucharist
Friday 16th October 2020 - TBC
5.00pm – Evensong sung jointly with Westminster Cathedral Choir
Saturday 17th October 2020 – National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor
11.30am – Festival Eucharist – Preacher to be announced
3.00pm – First Evensong of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey
Sunday 18th October 2020 – Dedication of Westminster Abbey, 1269
10.30am – Sung Eucharist
3.00pm – Evensong celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey in the presence of The Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayors of the London Boroughs
National pilgrimage day
Our annual pilgrimage day gives you the opportunity to visit the Abbey with other pilgrims, and experience its beauty and space in an atmosphere characterised by prayer. Everyone will be able to pray at the Shrine of St Edward – the only shrine in this country that still contains the body of the saint.
Touch tours and BSL (British Sign Language) tours and Eucharist will be available on the day. Appropriate provision is also made for those with mobility restrictions.
Prayer tours
We offer all pilgrims a prayer tour, which takes you into every part of the Abbey, its precincts and gardens. You’ll see the stunning Lady Chapel, the Royal Tombs, Poets' Corner, and the Chapter House – also the College Garden, where you can sit on a chamomile bench and enjoy the fragrant scents of herbs and flowers.
Children and schools
Families and school groups are especially welcome, with activities for children taking place throughout the day, including:
- Pilgrim badge-making in the nave
- Prayerful tours and trails
- Family prayers in the Shrine of St Edward
- Performances
- Arts and crafts
If you would like to ask any questions or for advice about bringing children, please contact the Learning Team on [email protected] or 020 7654 4965
Pastoral care and spiritual growth
During the course of the day, priests will be on duty for individual spiritual counselling and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You’ll also have the opportunity to renew baptism promises and take part in healing liturgies with the laying-on of hands and anointing.
Booking
Anyone can come to the pilgrimage day free of charge.
If you're an individual pilgrim or in a small group, you don't need to book, and you're welcome to any or all parts of the day.
Larger groups and school groups should book, as this helps us plan the day and support your visit.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Tiggy Sawbridge
Canons' PA
020 7654 4805
[email protected]
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It’s very hard not to be enthusiastic working at the Abbey. If this place doesn’t make you smile I don’t know what will.
