Westminster Abbey is one of the most significant buildings within the Church of England. It is the traditional venue for coronations and weddings, as well as the final resting place of British monarchs.

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The cathedral dates back to the 7th century and is predominantly Gothic in style.

Although Westminster Abbey has long since ceased to be an abbey in the true sense of the word – it is now more of a cathedral – it remains one of the most significant symbols of the United Kingdom and is inextricably linked to its statehood.

The cathedral’s architecture and history

The first wooden chapel was built on the site of today’s cathedral as early as 616, following an apparition of St Peter, whom a fisherman had seen on the River Thames. The first major stone structure was built here between 1045 and 1050, commissioned by King Edward III the Confessor to serve as an abbey.

The cathedral underwent its most significant changes during the reign of King Henry III Plantagenet, who had the church rebuilt in a magnificent Gothic style with numerous rose windows and splendid stained-glass windows.

The current appearance of Westminster Abbey thus dates mainly from the years 1245–1517. In 1503, the famous St Henry’s Chapel was added.

Another significant extension, in the form of two Neo-Gothic towers on the west side of the abbey, was built between 1722 and 1745.

The coronation of British monarchs

Westminster Abbey plays the most significant role in the symbolism of British statehood. Since 1066, when the first coronation of William I the Conqueror, took place here, all English kings have been crowned here (with the exception, to date, of three: Jane Grey, Edward V and Edward VIII, who reigned for such a short time that they did not have the opportunity to be crowned).

According to tradition, the coronation takes place on King Edward’s wooden chair and is performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The English Crown Jewels are then permanently on display to the public at the Tower of London.

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Weddings and final resting places

Westminster Abbey is also the venue for royal weddings, the first of which took place as early as 1100. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, for example, were married in this cathedral, whilst the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton – now known as the Duchess of Cambridge – which took place in 2011, was also the subject of intense media attention.

The cathedral and its grounds also serve as a burial place for famous British figures, not just monarchs. More than 3,000 people from across British history have found their final resting place here, ranging from monarchs to famous writers, scientists and church dignitaries.

Admission and opening hours

The cathedral and its grounds are open to the publicdaily, except Sundays, from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. On Saturdays, opening hours are 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. On Sundays, only the souvenir shop is open.

Ticket pricesare 32 gbp  29 gbp for adults, students and senior citizens aged 65 and over, and 14 gbpfor children aged 6–17.

Ideally, book your tickets online at getyourguide.com.

Official website:westminster-abbey.org/visit-us

How do I get to the abbey?

Westminster Abbey is situated directly opposite the British Parliament, less than a kilometre from Buckingham Palaceand Trafalgar Square.

Nearest Underground stations:

• Westminster– 150 metres, District, Circle and Jubilee lines
• St James’s Park– 250 metres, District and Circle lines

Nearest bus stops:

• Parliament Square– 50 metres, routes 11, 148
• Westminster Abbey– 50 metres, routes 11, 88, 148

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