Westminster Abbey, London
Jaison Chacko
Westminster Abbey is a world-renowned historical and religious site located in London, England. The abbey has a rich history, dating back over a thousand years, and has played a significant role in the development of English history, politics, and culture.
Construction and Early History (960-1066)
Westminster Abbey was first founded as a monastery in the late 10th century by King Edgar the Peaceful. It was originally called the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, and was built on an island in the River Thames known as Thorney Island. The monastery was intended to serve as a royal burial ground and a place of worship for the king and his court.
The original structure was constructed of wood, and little remains of it today. However, the abbey was rebuilt in stone by Edward the Confessor in the mid-11th century, and it is this structure that forms the basis of the current building. Edward the Confessor was a devout Christian, and he dedicated the abbey to St. Peter, whom he believed had saved his life in a storm at sea.
Medieval Period (1066-1485)
The abbey played a significant role in English history during the Middle Ages. It was the site of many royal coronations and weddings, including the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 and the wedding of Henry I and Matilda of Scotland in 1100. The abbey was also the site of many important burials, including that of Edward the Confessor himself.
During this period, the abbey underwent significant expansion and renovation. In the 13th century, a new nave was built, along with the famous Henry VII Chapel, which was completed in the early 16th century. The abbey also became a center of learning and scholarship, with many famous scholars and theologians associated with it over the years.
Reformation and Restoration (1485-1837)
The Reformation had a significant impact on Westminster Abbey, as it did on many other religious institutions in England. During the reign of Henry VIII, the abbey was dissolved and the monks were expelled. However, the building itself was saved from destruction and was instead converted into a cathedral, with a bishop appointed to oversee it.
The restoration of the monarchy in 1660 marked a new era for Westminster Abbey. Under the patronage of King Charles II, the abbey underwent significant restoration work, including the rebuilding of the east end and the addition of a new choir screen. In the 18th century, the abbey underwent further renovation, including the addition of new pews and the installation of a new organ.
Modern Era (1837-Present)
The 19th and 20th centuries saw further changes to Westminster Abbey. In the 19th century, the abbey underwent significant restoration work, including the repair of the roof and the installation of new stained glass windows. The abbey also became the site of many important national events, including the funerals of Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill.
In the 20th century, the abbey continued to play an important role in English national life. It was the site of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and has since hosted many other royal events, including the weddings of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
Today, Westminster Abbey remains one of the most important historical and religious sites in England. It is open to visitors, who can explore the building and learn about its rich history. The abbey also continues to play an important role in national life
Westminster Abbey also functions as a parish cathedral with daily services that are open to the public. The abbey is both a royal peculiar and a cathedral, meaning that it is not under the jurisdiction of a bishop but is instead subject to the direct authority of the monarch.
As a parish cathedral, it has a regular schedule of services, including daily Evensong and Sunday Eucharist, which are open to all members of the public.
In addition to its regular services, Westminster Abbey also hosts special services for important national occasions, such as the annual Commonwealth Day service, which is attended by members of the royal family and other dignitaries. The abbey also hosts a number of special services throughout the year to mark important religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.
Visitors to Westminster Abbey can attend its services free of charge, although seating may be limited and early arrival is recommended. The abbey also offers audio guides and guided tours that provide information about the history of the building and its religious significance.
Almost all coronations of English and British monarchs since the Norman Conquest in 1066 have taken place at Westminster Abbey. The coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 marked the first coronation at the abbey, and since then, almost every monarch has been crowned there. The only exceptions were Edward V and Edward VIII, who were never crowned due to political circumstances.
The coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey is a highly symbolic and ritualized event that has changed little over the centuries. It includes the anointing of the monarch with holy oil, the presentation of the crown, and the taking of the coronation oath. The coronation ceremony also involves the participation of various officials and dignitaries, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, who performs the anointing, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, who is responsible for various ceremonial duties.
Westminster Abbey continues to play an important role in the life of the royal family, hosting a number of other significant events, including weddings and funerals.
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many English and British monarchs, as well as other notable figures from British history. However, not all monarchs are buried in the cemetery of the abbey.
Here is a list of English and British monarchs who are buried or have memorials in Westminster Abbey:
Edward the Confessor (reigned 1042-1066) – buried in a shrine behind the high altar
Henry III (reigned 1216-1272) – buried near the shrine of Edward the Confessor
Edward I (reigned 1272-1307) – buried near the shrine of Edward the Confessor
Edward III (reigned 1327-1377) – buried near the high altar
Richard II (reigned 1377-1399) – buried in the tomb of Edward the Confessor
Henry V (reigned 1413-1422) – buried in a chantry chapel
Edward IV (reigned 1461-1470, 1471-1483) – buried in the Chapel of St. George
Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) – buried in a chapel he built in the abbey
Edward VI (reigned 1547-1553) – buried in the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor
Mary I ( Bloody Marie)(reigned 1553-1558) – buried in the Chapel of St. Mary
Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603) – buried in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth
James I (reigned 1603-1625) – buried in the Chapel of Henry VII
Charles II (reigned 1660-1685) – buried in the vault of the Chapel of St. Edmund
William III (reigned 1689-1702) and Mary II (reigned 1689-1694) – buried in the Chapel of Henry VII
Queen Anne (reigned 1702-1714) – buried in the vault of the Chapel of Henry VII
George II (reigned 1727-1760) and Queen Caroline – buried in the Royal Vault
Other notable figures buried or commemorated in Westminster Abbey include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Winston Churchill.
