Forty monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey since 1066. Find out more about the history of coronations, the objects and spaces used during the ceremony, and the kings and queens involved.

An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history – the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, …

It’s a privilege to live and work here – the Abbey really is the heart of the country and its history. Martin - The Dean’s Verger

The present Abbey building dates mainly from the reign of Henry III. In 1245 he pulled down the eastern part of the 11th century Abbey.

Our history The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066, and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs. The church we see today was begun by Henry III in 1245. It’s one of the most important …

Dec 4, 2025 · An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey has become a treasure house of artefacts. This is also the coronation church where some of the most …

The first twelve monks were brought to Westminster in about 960AD by St Dunstan, then Bishop of London. No trace of the building to which they came can be seen above ground as King Edward the …

From then until the dissolution of the monastery by Henry VIII in 1540, ministry to the ever-growing population of Westminster was undertaken by the monks of the Abbey. This arrangement was the …

The ancient Retable, now on display in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at the Abbey, is thought to have formed part of the medieval altar. A depiction of the altar appears in the 1532 mortuary roll of …

Explore our History Lady Chapel The 16th-century historian John Leland called the Henry VII Lady Chapel ‘the wonder of the world’ and it continues to inspire wonder amongst those who visit it today. …