the Unknown Warrior
Tomb Tomb of an unidentified British soldier in Westminster
Inside Westminster Abbey, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior draws people for its national memorial, ceremonial gravitas, and easy link to London’s state events and historic nave.
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is a grave in Westminster Abbey, London, containing the remains of an unidentified British soldier from the First World War interred in 1920. It functions as a national memorial to those who died unidentified in the conflict.
Visitors view the black marble tomb slab set into the floor of Westminster Abbey and pay respects as part of visits to the Abbey and nearby national monuments. The site is a focus for national remembrance ceremonies in November and for individual acts of commemoration throughout the year.
An unknown British serviceman exhumed from a battlefield and selected to represent unidentified war dead was buried in Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920 with a state funeral and wide public attention. The tomb was intended as a symbolic grave for all those who died unidentified in the First World War.
The tomb lies within Westminster Abbey in central London, close to the Houses of Parliament and other national memorials and state ceremonial spaces.
- Interment date: The interment took place on 11 November 1920; annual commemorations around Armistice Day are held at Westminster Abbey and at national memorials.
How to Get to the Unknown Warrior #
The Unknown Warrior is inside Westminster Abbey, near the west end of the nave. The Abbey is a 5-10 minute walk from Westminster Underground station (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) or St James’s Park station (District and Circle). Buses along Victoria Street and Parliament Square stop nearby.
Tips for Visiting the Unknown Warrior #
- Visit early on weekdays to avoid school groups and listen for the Abbey choir rehearsals - the building breathes differently when the choir is singing.
- Stand quietly at the west end of the nave to see the brass of the Unknown Warrior and trace the single soldier's footprint worn into the floor; many overlook the inscription on the tomb's stone rim.
- Combine the visit with a walk through Dean's Yard and the cloisters; they hold the smaller memorials and whispers that the big tombs do not.
Best Time to Visit the Unknown Warrior #
Visit outside peak tourist months and on weekday mornings to avoid crowds; Remembrance events will make the Abbey busier and more solemn.
Weather & Climate near the Unknown Warrior #
the Unknown Warrior's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (632 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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