Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic church in central London that has been the traditional coronation church and burial place for English and British monarchs since 1066. The abbey combines religious, cultural and national functions and contains numerous royal tombs, memorials and chapels.

Key features include the long nave used for national services, the Coronation Chair and the Henry VII Chapel with its richly vaulted architecture. Poets’ Corner houses memorials and graves of leading British writers, scientists and statesmen.

The core of the present building dates from the 13th century though the site has an earlier Anglo-Saxon church; the abbey has been extended and refashioned over centuries to become a national ceremonial centre. It remains an active place of worship and national ceremonies.

Located immediately west of the Palace of Westminster and near the River Thames, the abbey is within walking distance of many central London sites and directly served by nearby Underground stations.

• Service schedule: The abbey is a working church with daily services and restricted areas during official events; visitor access can be limited during royal ceremonies.
• Historical importance: Many of the most significant royal ceremonies, including coronations since 1066, have taken place here, so guided tours and audio guides are recommended for context.

What to See #

• Coronation area: The part of the abbey where British monarchs are crowned; the choir and nave are central to the coronation liturgy and processions.
• Poets' Corner: A long tradition of memorials and burials for writers, scientists, politicians and monarchs, clustered in the South Transept and Poets' Corner area.
• Henry VII Chapel: The late medieval chapel built for Henry VII, notable for its fan vaulting and royal tombs dating from the early 16th century.