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Westminster Abbey, London

Next to the Abbey - London
Next to the Abbey
by don_kam
Westminster Abbey tips and photos posted by real travelers and London locals.

Deans Yard, SW1
• 386 Photos
• 248 Reviews

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Westminster Abbey: A Tale of two cities...
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  • sourbugger
  • Updated By sourbugger on March 27, 2006
  • London Page by sourbugger
  • Poets corner - Westminster Abbey - London
    Poets corner - Westminster
    Abbey
    by sourbugger
    It is quite surprising that few people realise that London is in fact two cities - because it has two Anglican Cathedrals.

    The City of London has St Pauls, but Westminster Abbey is the centrepiece to the City of Westminster.

    The Abbey itself (with the exception of the Marriage of Charles & Diana which was at St Paul's) is at the heart of the nation's life with nearly all Coronations, Royal funerals and weddings taking place here.

    The place is high on many tourist agendas, but if you are a bit jaded by seeing cathedrals then at least consider taking a look at the Abbey's USP (unique selling point) : Poet's corner.

    Not all on the list (e.g Shakespere) are buried or have their remains here, whilst some (because of the lively exploits) only gained a place recently : Such as Byron.

    I've included the full list below, and as you can see it includes many of the 'greats' of English Literature, plus many that philistines like me have never heard of !

    Adam Addison Anstey Argyll Arnold Atkyns Auden Austen
    Barrow Barton Benson Birch Black Booth Brontes Browning Burns
    Busby Butler Byron Caedmon Camden
    Campbell Carroll Cary Casaubon Caxton
    Chambers Chaucer Chiffinch Coleridge
    Cowley Coxe Cumberland D'Avengant
    D. Thomas Dickens Drayton Dryden Fox
    Eliot G Garrick Goldsmith Gordon Grabe
    Gray Grote Hales Handel Hardy Hauley
    Heather Hokins Hope Horneck James
    Johnson Jonson Keats Keble Kipling
    Lawrence Lind-Goldschmidt Litlyngton
    Longfellow Macaulay Mackenzie
    Macpherson Masefield Mason Milton
    Murray Osbaldeston Outram Parr Philips
    Pringle Prior Reith Roberts Robinson Ruskin
    Saint-Evremond Scott Shadwell Shakespeare
    Sharp Shelly Sheridan Simpson South
    Southey Spenser Spottiswoode T.S. Eliot
    Tait Taylor Tennyson Thackeray Thirwall
    Thomson Triplet Tudor Vincent Wetenhall
    Wordsworth Wyatt

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: www.theotherpages.org.uk
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    Westminster Abbey: The Grandeur of Westminister Abbey
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  • deecat
  • Updated By deecat on May 12, 2005
  • London Page by deecat
  • For almost one thousand years, Westminister Abbey has been the setting for much of London's ceremonies such as Royal Weddings, Coronations, and Funeral Services.

    I personally think that it is one of the grandest pieces of architecture in the capital. It's an awesome and vast place that gleams white and pink outside but seems darker inside.

    In addition, the Abbey is the parish church of the Royal Family, when in residence at Buckingham Palace. Thus, it is a Royal Peculiar (not under control of the Archbishop of Canterbury but under direct control of the Queen).
    It is symbolically the entire nation's church and almost museum-like, considering the large amount of history associated with it.

    I especially enjoyed seeing Poet's Corner located in the south transept because it commemorates famous authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, Chaucer (also buried here), Shelley, Dickens, & Keats as well as many others.

    The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior of WWI resides here, a very poignant tomb despite its "ordinary" look.

    I remember seeing Elizabeth II's Coronation at Westminister Abbey via TV in 1953. As an adolescent, I was mystified by the grandeur. At that time, I gushed about its beauty; when I saw it 40 years later, I felt the same.

    Allow several hours & include seeing St. Margaret's Church & Jewel Tower.

    If you love architecture as I do, then make sure you don't miss a visit to the Abbey.

    Warning: no photographs inside!

    Free admittance
    Open: 9:00 am-3:45 pm, Mon-Friday

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey Services and Tours
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  • Updated By bthon on June 17, 2005
  • London Page by bthon
  • Westminster at Night - London
    Westminster at Night
    by bthon
    Althought I lived in London for over a year, I only visited Westminster when friends or relatives visited. My mom insisted not only on visiting during touring hours, but also on attending several services, including Christmas Eve.

    We found the tours to be excellent, though by the time you pay admission and then the tour cost, it can get a bit expensive, especially for a family. The tour also takes quite a chunk of your day.

    Now for the positive reasons for taking a tour. First of all, like many other churches in England without the history or background, all you get is the beautiful architecture. This is adequate for most, but after paying 7.5 pounds, you might as well pay a few more to learn what you are looking at. Besides giving an indepth history, the tour also takes you into a few places that are inaccessible to the rest of the public. Our tour guide also arranged for anyone in the tour group to sit in the choir boxes for the evening choir which my mom was thrilled about. With small tour groups they can manage to do this for some evening songs.

    If you dont have time for a tour and you want to avoid the entrance fee, find out when the services are, dress appropriately, and confidently walk up to the main gate and say you are there for such and such service. They immediately let you in while hordes of other tourists stand around trying to figure out your secret. We did this three time and even with our American accents, they immediately opened the doors as services are generally open to the public.

    For service times, touring times, and entrance prices, check out the website that has extensive details.

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: Very moving sculptures on the west façade
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  • Trekki
  • Updated By Trekki on December 27, 2008
  • London Page by Trekki
  • Westminster Abbey, Dietrich Bonhoeffer - London
    Westminster Abbey,
    Dietrich Bonhoeffer
    by Trekki,
    9 more photos
    Westminster Abbey’s western façade always had niches above the portal, but somehow they were never filled with statues. When I was second last in London (1996), the four niches left and right of the the Great Western Door already were showing allegoric figures of traditional virtues Mercy, Truth, Righteousness and Peace. But then the ten nices above the door were still empty, however there were plans to fill these remaining niches with statues as well. On July 9, 1998 they were finally unveiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, H.M. The Queen and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh.
    No words can better describe the intention behind these ten statues than the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, who wrote on their website:
    …not just to commemorate saintly or worthy figures from the past, but to proclaim a message of which too few people are aware: the twentieth century has been a century of Christian martyrdom. The cost of Christian witness, and the number of Christians willing to die for what they believed (alongside others of different religious faiths or none), has been greater in this century than in any previous period in the history of the church.
    These ten statues are of individual martyrs; but they are intended to represent all those others who have died (and continue to die) in similar circumstances of oppression and persecution. They are drawn from every continent and many Christian denominations. They include victims of the struggle for human rights in North and South America, of the Soviet and Nazi persecutions in Europe, of religious prejudice and dictatorial rule in Africa, of fanaticism in the Indian subcontinent, of the brutalities of the Second World War in Asia and of the Cultural Revolution in China. In these and other similar circumstances during this most violent of centuries thousands of men and women have paid with their lives for their faith and their convictions. Those represented here have left their testimony to the ultimate cost of Christian witness and to its enduring significance.
    (taken from Westminster Abbey website, see link below)
    This is a wonderful idea in my opinion and it also shows the very much progressive and modern attitude of the Anglican Church (compared to Roman Catholic).

    The stautues are the work of Tim Crawley, Neil Simmons, John Roberts and Andrew Tanser and show (from left to right):
    Maximilian Kolbe, Polish priest who was executed by the deadly brainsick Nazi terror regime in Auschwitz on August 14, 1941,
    Manche Masemola (photo 5), a girl from Transvaal who converted to Christian belief and was murdered by her own parents at the age of 15 on February 4, 1928,
    Janani Luwum, archbishop of Uganda, who was killed by Idi Amin’s death squadron on February 12, 1977,
    Elizabeth of Russia (photo 2), born princess of Hesse Darmstadt, sister of the last Tzarina Alexandra and married to grand duke Sergej Alexandrowich. After her husband was killed, she founded Orthodox monastery Martha-Maria and was murdered by Bolsheviks the night after the Tzar family was slaughtered, July 18, 1918,
    Martin Luther King, the famous civil rights movement leader was killed in Memphis April 4, 1968,
    Oscar Romero, archbishop of El Salvador was killed by the death squadrons during revolution on March 24, 1980,
    Dietrich Bonhoeffer (main photo), Polish Lutheranian pastor from Wroclaw was another victim of the deadly brainsick Nazi terror regime and executed on April 9, 1945,
    Ester John, an Indian girl, was brutally murdered on February 2, 1060 by maybe her family for having converted to Christianity and for not obeying the force to marry a muslim husband,
    Lucian Tapiedi (photo 4), a priest from Papua New Guinea who was killed by a member of Orokaiva tribe who cooperated with the Japanese during their invasion in July 1942,
    Wang Zhiming (photo 3), priest of Christian belief who was executed by the deadly brainsick Mao terror regime during the cultoral revolution on December 29, 1973.

    (I have created a travelogue with photos of the other statues including a photo of 1996, where the niches were still empty).

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  • Phone: +44 (0) 20 7222 5152
  • Directions: Westminster Abbey, west of Palace of Westminster. Tube station: Westminster (exit 3) (District, Circle, Jubilee Line).
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/search/13683?query=west+front&x&y
  • Other Contact: +44 (0) 20 7233 2072
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    Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey
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  • Mariajoy
  • Updated By Mariajoy on January 4, 2006
  • London Page by Mariajoy
  • Westminster Abbey - London
    Westminster Abbey
    by Mariajoy,
    1 more photos
    This architectually magnificent masterpiece of the 13th-16th Centuries has been the site of the coronations of all of Britain's monarchs apart from two, since the crowning of William the Conquerer in 1066. It is choc-a-block with statues, effigies, and monuments to countless Medieval kings and queens who are entombed or have memorials here. It is also where many visitors pay pilgrimage to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    Westminister Abbey

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: Wesminster Tube (Exit 4)
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: westminster abbey
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  • doug48
  • By doug48 on July 23, 2006
  • London Page by doug48
  • westminster abbey - London
    westminster abbey
    by doug48
    located in central london westminster abbey is one of the most beautiful churches in england. westminster abbey was commissioned by edward the confessor in 1050 AD. the abbey has been expanded over the years and it's most recent addition is the west front towers built in 1745. the abbey houses the tombs of english monarchs and famous notables. edward the confessor and queen elizabeth I are entombed here. near edward the confessor's tomb is the coronation chair, constructed in 1301 it is where english monarchs have been crowned since 1308. the poet's corner contains the tombs and memorials of england's literary greats. the charter house built in the 13th century contains very interesting medieval tiles and stained glass. the abbey is a must see sight when visiting london.

  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: WESTMINSTER ABBEY
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  • LoriPori
  • Updated By LoriPori on April 7, 2006
  • London Page by LoriPori
  • Westminster Abbey  --- 1968 - London
    Westminster Abbey --- 1968
    by LoriPori, 4 more photos
    Founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065, the present day WESTMINSTER ABBEY was largely built by Henry III in the 13th century.
    Westminster Abbey holds a unique position in English history as both the burial place and crowning of most English Sovereigns, including the coronation of William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth II.
    This magnificent Abbey on Parliament Square, houses countless memorials to illustrious public figures. Attractions include the Cloisters, Chapter House and Westminster Abbey Museum .
    The North Entrance of Westminster Abbey is the Visitor's Entrance ( shown in small pix ).
    Admission 8.00
    Child 11-16 6.00
    Child under 11 free

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: House of Kings, St. Peter of Westminster
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  • Trekki
  • Updated By Trekki on February 28, 2009
  • London Page by Trekki
  • Westminster Abbey, royal lamp at the entrance - London
    Westminster Abbey, royal
    lamp at the entrance
    by Trekki,
    4 more photos
    What can I say about famous The Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, known to all of us as Westminster Abbey, that hasn’t been said already? It belongs to the Church of England, but has the status of royal peculiar and is thus directly belonging to the British Sovereign.
    During my recent (2008) visit in London I didn’t visit the abbey (which I now regret), but I have been inside on many occasions during previous visits to London.
    The best time to visit the abbey is in the morning on a sunny day, as only then the stained glass windows in Henry VII’s Lady Chapel will show their full splendour. This part of the abbey was/is my favourite, maybe because I adore this most magnificent fan-vaulted roof in Perpendicular style (England’s late Gothic). Together with the colourful banners (with heraldic emblems) of the knights of Order of the Bath this chapel is simply radiating! Nearby, in the sanctuary, is St. Edward’s Chair on display, but protected now, as obviously many of us former visitors have left marks on it. Seing this chair, which has been used for all 38 coronations of English, British and Commonwealth sovereigns (except 2) since William the Conqueror in 1066 is quite an awed sight. Another fascinating detail, albeit big and maybe unnoticed, as it is covered often for protection as conservation work is still ongoing is the magnificent Cosmati pavement dating back to 1268.
    Many royals as well as other famous people are buried in Westminster Abbey, with beautiful tombs and gravestones. My alltime favourite is the one of Isaac Newton perfectly explaining his cognition about gravity and universe. Other famous scientists buried here are Ernest Rutherford (planetary model and Noble Price in Chemistry for chemistry of radioactive substances , Robert Stephenson (Rocket, steam engine) and Charles Darwin (which I find a good demonstration of the Anglican Church’s modern approach – he has no monument in any Catholic church), then explorer David Livingstone and famous poets and musicians like Georg Friedrich Händel and of course William Shakespeare (but only a memorial, he is buried in his birthplace, Statford-upon Avon - thanks dear Ewa for reminding me :-).

    I also liked the grave of the Unknown Warrior, but it took me years to understand the reason for the decoration with poppies (my school history lessons stopped at 30-Years’ War…and German schools didn’t teach about WWI and II when I was young…). Thanks to Sarah’s explanation about the poppies I know now what they mean. In my opinion it is important to learn more about this, as every foreign visitor will come across the poppies everywhere, not only at Remembrance Day (November 11 at 11:00 a.m.). The poppies are made by the Poppy Factory in Richmond, where many disabled and ex-Service connected people work.

    When I was visiting Westminster Abbey in the past, brass rubbing was very popular. However, if I take it correct from the Abbey’s website, it is no longer allowed.

    Westminster Abbey’s opening hours strongly depend on the day (of week or generally), but their website has a very intelligent opening hours calendar (shows the hours of the actual day). Admission fee is £12 for adults (and several reductions for groups, students, schools etc). Note that the entry is at the northern portal with different doors for cash and credit card payment. Entry to the cloister is free of charge, this can be reached via Dean’s Yard.

    Coordinates on GoogleEarth:
    51°29’58,95’’N; 00°07’38,47’’W

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  • Phone: +44 (0) 20 7222 5152
  • Directions: Westminster Abbey, west of Palace of Westminster. Tube station: Westminster (exit 3) (District, Circle, Jubilee Line).
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
  • Other Contact: Fax: +44 (0) 20 7233 2072
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    Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey
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  • Bwana_Brown
  • Updated By Bwana_Brown on January 8, 2006
  • London Page by Bwana_Brown
  • Tourist Line-up at the North Entrance - London
    Tourist Line-up at the
    North Entrance
    by Bwana_Brown,
    1 more photos
    A ten minute walk from the Houses of Parliament will bring you to Westminster Abbey, that venerable British institution. The first historic abbey on this site was built in 1050 by King Edward the Confessor, but the present Gothic style structure dates from a re-building effort carried out by successive kings over a long period between 1245-1517. A major upheavel occurred over all of England in 1534 when King Henry VIII seized all assets of the Roman Catholic church as a result of his disputes with the Pope over the King's maritial issues. However, because of the involvement of royalty in the earlier history of the Abbey, the structure was spared the destruction wrought by Henry VIII on many of the seized assets. This church is now a major British institution because, since the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066, all but three of the British monarchs have had their coronations in Westminster Abbey. The abbey is also the burial site for many of the monarchs and other famous Britons down through the centuries.

    The second photo was an attempt to record some gold weather vanes at the top of the Abbey's columns, but the bright sky was not cooperating. We were getting chilly from the cold street winds and we were hungry too, so we opted not to explore further but instead headed into the Whitehall district in search of a warm pub!

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  • Phone: 0 20 7654 4900
  • Directions: St James's Park tube
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org
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    Westminster Abbey: Commons’ modest parish church St. Margaret’s
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  • Trekki
  • Updated By Trekki on December 20, 2008
  • London Page by Trekki
  • St. Margaret's Church - London
    St. Margaret's Church
    by Trekki, 3 more photos
    Next to the famous Westminster Abbey and almost unnoticed by the constant stream of visitors is St. Margaret’s Church. It was built early 12th century and became the parish church for the House of Commons since Palm Sunday, April 17, 1614. If you look around, this becomes quite obvious, as the portcullis, symbol of Palace of Westminster, is present on many objects, such as doors and cushions. The church is very beautiful inside, partly because the white walls and pillars let the bright colours of the magnificent stained glass windows shine even more. Make sure to turn back after entering and admire the windows above the entrance portal, dedicated to Sir Walter Raleigh, famous British explorer.The windows opposite (east) show scenes of life of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. The southern windows were destroyed during WWII and replaced by very modest ones in pastel colour, designed by John Piper, who didn’t want his windows competing with the other, older ones.
    Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside, so all I have is of the exterior and the beautiful vault of the entrance. But it is worth to notice a special feature of the belltowers: the round blue objects are no clocks, but sundials.
    The church is opened for visitors, except during masses, which are published on the website below. No entrance fee applies for visiting the church.

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  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7654 4840
  • Directions: St. Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey. Tube station: Westminster (exit 3) (District, Circle, Jubilee Line).
  • Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/st-margarets/
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