Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church in London, England, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.
It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the country and is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later, British monarchs.
The abbey was built in the Romanesque style by King Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and rebuilt in the Gothic style by King Henry III in the 13th century.
The abbey has also been the site of many other important events in British history, such as the weddings of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
The abbey contains many notable monuments and tombs, including those of Many British monarchs, including Edward the Confessor, Henry III, Edward I, Edward III, Richard II, Henry V, and Elizabeth I. Also famous figures such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Sir George Frederick Handel, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
Westminster Abbey is a historic and architectural treasure, with many highlights to see. Some of the must-see features at the abbey include:
- The Nave: The nave is the central part of the abbey where the main services take place. It is one of the oldest parts of the building and features Gothic architecture.
- The High Altar: The High Altar is located at the east end of the nave and is the focal point of the abbey’s religious services.
- Poets’ Corner: Poets’ Corner is a section of the abbey dedicated to poets and writers, and it contains the graves of Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Johnson, Robert Browning, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.
- The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior: This tomb contains the remains of an unknown soldier killed in World War I and is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
- The Coronation Chair: The Coronation Chair is where British monarchs have been crowned since 1308. It is made of oak and is covered in gold.
- The Lady Chapel: The Lady Chapel is located at the eastern end of the abbey and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the abbey and contains intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
- The Royal Tombs: Westminster Abbey contains the tombs of many British monarchs including Edward the Confessor, Henry III, and Elizabeth I.
- The Cloisters: The cloisters are located on the north side of the abbey, and are a peaceful and quiet area to explore. They are also home to the abbey’s museum, which features artefact’s and treasures from the abbey’s history.
Overall, Westminster Abbey offers a glimpse into the history and architecture of the UK, and it’s a great place to explore.
Westminster Abbey is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is open to visitors.