London is an amazing city with a rich, more than 20-century history. In order to get acquainted with all its sights and monuments, you need more than one vacation, and you can start with the most famous, familiar for school English lessons, for example, Westminster Abbey - the main cultural and religious shrine in London .
Who founded Westminster Abbey? A bit of history
The history of Westminster Abbey began in 1065, when Edward the Confessor founded the Benedictine monastery on this site. The first was crowned the English monarch Harold, but soon the abbey was almost completely defeated by William the Conqueror. And only after several centuries the construction of a building that has survived to this day began - the St. Peter's Cathedral Church in Westminster (which is exactly what its official name sounds), now given to the parliament building. It was built during 3 centuries - from 1245 to 1745 years. The initiator of the construction of the magnificent cathedral of Westminster Abbey in the Gothic style was made by Henry III, who intended it for the solemn ceremonies of the coronations of the heirs of the English throne.
During this period, each new ruler considered it his duty to change something, finish building, rebuild. So, in 1502 the chapel of Henry VII took the place of the main chapel. Then came the western towers, the northern portal and the central facade were rebuilt. Reforms led to the fact that the church was modified and somewhat damaged, and the monastery was completely abolished.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth she decided to appoint the abbey a burial place for members of the royal family. Exceptions were made for persons who made a significant contribution to the development of science, culture, and also having merit before the state. To be buried here was considered a great honor, the highest posthumous award.
Who is buried in Westminster Abbey?
On the territory of the abbey on a special throne there were solemn ceremonies of the coronation of the monarchs, rising to the English throne. Most of them are buried here. Also, Henry Purcell, David Livingstone, Charles Darwin, Michael Faraday, Ernest Rutherford and many others were honored to receive the last shelter in this cult place.
Of particular interest to tourists is the grave of Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey, which is decorated with ornate memorable inscription. No less visited place of burial of Westminster Abbey - Corner of poets. Here lies the ashes of great English writers and poets: Charles Dickens, Jeffrey Chaucer, Thomas Hardy, Gurney Irving, Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Tennyson. Also in the corner is a number of memorials to writers buried in other places: W. Shakespeare, J. Byron, J. Austin, W. Blake, Sisters Bronte, P. Shelley, R. Burns, L. Caroll and so on.
Interesting facts about Westminster Abbey
- total on the territory of the abbey there are about 3000 burials;
- in the central gallery of the temple there are icons of the work of the famous Russian master Sergei Fedorov;
- until the middle of the 14th century, the state treasury, the British crown and the jewels of the royal family were kept here;
- the main tower with the clock of Westminster Abbey is called Big Ben - on behalf of the largest bell in it located;
- In April 2012, the "wedding of the century" was played in the walls of the temple between Kate Middleton and Prince William.
Where is Westminster Abbey?
The abbey is located in the eponymous part of the city - Westminster, you can get there by metro , after reaching the station Westminster.
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