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Westminster Abbey - the formal name is the Collegiate Church of St
Peter
Founded by Edward the Confessor & consecrated in 1065. Edward's
palace was on the banks of the Thames at what was then known as
Thorney Island. Nearby was a Benedictine monastery which Edward
enlarged; the church built in remembrance of the Apostle St Peter.
This church or minster then was known as the 'west' minster, the
'east' minster being St Paul's in the City of London.
Edward died on 5th January 1066 a few days after it's consecration
on 28th December 1065. A year later William the Conqueror was
crowned in this Norman Abbey on Christmas day in 1066. Only a small
part of this original Norman monastery survived - the representation
of this original building is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry. Most of
the building as we see it today goes back to around 1245 when Henry
III decided to rebuild the abbey in the new gothic style. It was
further added on to at later dates, part being the two western
towers which were built around 1830 by Sir Christopher Wren and
Nicholas Hawksmoor.
It has been the site for all coronations except two and many other
royal occasions. Henry III moved the body of Edward the Confessor
into a tomb behind the High Altar. Over three thousand burials have
taken place here. Not just the burial place of royals but the
famous; Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, David Livingstone,
Geoffrey Chaucer, John Milton and Robert Browning. even Dickens
though it was against his wishes, and many more well-known people.
Sitting next to the Houses of Parliament it is a 'must see'. An
architectural wonder where you can still worship daily. Give
yourself plenty of time to look round.
For more details visit the web site of
Westminster Abbey
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