{"id":11427,"date":"2012-09-06T12:42:52","date_gmt":"2012-09-06T16:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=11427"},"modified":"2026-07-31T17:19:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T21:19:56","slug":"visit-westminster-abbey-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2012\/09\/06\/visit-westminster-abbey-london\/","title":{"rendered":"Royal Weddings and Famous Tombs? Visit Westminster Abbey in London!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated on July 30th, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The northern entrance of Westminster Abbey in London [Photo Credit: Hulki Okan Tabak\/ Unsplash]<\/p><\/div>One of London\u2019s most famous landmarks, the Westminster Abbey is a must-see when you visit the capital city of England! Throughout the years, the 700-year-old church has held burials of many historical figures, as well as royal coronations and even weddings. Most recently, it was the site of Prince William and Kate Middleton\u2019s royal wedding on 19 April 2011!
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\nHistory<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A painting of Westminster Abbey from 1790. [Photo credit: Birmingham Museums Trust\/Unsplash]<\/p><\/div>A church was first established on the site of present-day Westminster Abbey as early as the 10th century by Benedictine monks. The magnificent Abbey seen today began construction in 1245 under King Henry III and was designed in the Gothic style, with soaring arches, intricate stone carving, and breathtaking stained-glass windows that continue to impress visitors centuries later.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The striking architecture as well as the historical importance of the Westminster Abbey ensured it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.<\/p>\n

Since 1066, every English and later British monarch has been crowned at Westminster Abbey, making it one of the nation\u2019s most significant ceremonial landmarks. The Abbey is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs and countless influential figures who shaped British history. When renowned writer Geoffrey Chaucer was buried there in 1400, it marked the beginning of the Abbey\u2019s famous Poets\u2019 Corner, which has since become the resting place and memorial site for many of Britain’s greatest literacy icons. <\/span><\/p>\n

Around Chaucer\u2019s grave, writers and poets were either buried or memorialized. The Poets\u2019 Corner includes names such as Charles Dickens, T.S. Eliot, William Wordsworth, John Milton, Alexander Pope and William Shakespeare.<\/p>\n

Inside Westminster Abbey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Besides the Poets\u2019 Corner, there are several other things to see in Westminster Abbey such as the church houses the Coronation Chair, or King Edward\u2019s Chair. This ancient throne was commissioned by King Edward in 1296, and contains the Stone of Scone, which was the Scottish coronation stone. Almost every sovereign of England and later Great Britain has been crowned on this wooden throne. The last occasion it was used was Elizabeth II\u2019s coronation in 1953. Today, the Chair is heavily guarded, as many visitors over the centuries have tried to carve their names into the wood.<\/p>\n

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Prince William and Kate Middleton in a carriage outside of Westminster Abbey on their wedding day<\/p><\/div>\n

Coronations are not the only occasions the Royal Family visits Westminster Abbey. In fact, the Royal Family has had ties with the Abbey for centuries. The Abbey has seen sixteen royal weddings so far, of which the most recent was the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. For their wedding, the Abbey was completely transformed. Almost 30,000 flowers adorned the interior of the Abbey, and there were even eight real trees placed alongside the main isle. The ceremony was attended by many members of the Royal Family, as well as by members of foreign royal families, politicians and celebrities such as Sir Elton John, David Beckham, Guy Ritchie, Joss Stone and many more.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re walking through the nave of the Abbey, where the Royal Wedding was held, you\u2019ll notice that there\u2019s only one grave you are not allowed to step on. This is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The tomb contains an unidentified British soldier who was killed during the First World War. The grave represents all the fallen soldiers of the war. In France, a similar grave can be found at the Arc de Triomphe, also containing the bones of an unidentified soldier.
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\nThe Grounds of Westminster Abbey<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Deans Yard at Westminster Abbey [Photo credit: Carmen Dominguez\/Unsplash]<\/p><\/div>Beyond its historic architecture and royal significance, Westminster Abbey is also home to four peaceful gardens: the Garth, the Little Cloister, College Garden, and St. Catherine\u2019s Garden. The Abbey\u2019s Cloisters surround the Garth, a tranquil square of green space that once provided a quiet place for reflection. The Little Cloister was originally used by those recovering from illness and still features a charming fountain and fragrant plants. Nearby, College Garden, believed to be one of England\u2019s oldest gardens, served as the Abbey\u2019s\u00a0 infirmary garden and continues to grow many medical herbs today. St. Catherine\u2019s Garden occupies part of the former monastery grounds, where visitors can still see remnants of the medieval monastery. <\/span><\/p>\n


\nVisiting Info<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Cathedral of Westminster Abbey. [Photo credit: Donna White\/Pexels]<\/p><\/div>Current visitor hours are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n