Westmister+Abbey

Westminster Abbey The Westminster Abbey Church began in 1050 when King Edward the Confessor wanted to build a monastery. However, due to wars, only a small part of the original Norman Monastery, blessed in 1065, survived. Most of the present building dates from 1245-1272 when Henry III decided to rebuild the Abbey in Gothic style. The building was later expanded significantly. The Chapel of Henry VII was then added between 1503 and 1512. The two West Front Towers weren't even there yet! They were added in 1745. Though the Abbey is very old, the youngest part of the church is the North entrance, completed in the 19th century. The Abbey also has its own burial ground for numerous politicians, sovereigns, and artists. The Abbey is completely filled with tombs, status, and monuments. Some of the famous bodies are Queen Elizabeth I and her half-sister Mary I. Another famous body in the church is Queen Mary of Scotland, Elizabeth I's cousin who she beheaded. In total, there is 3,300 bodies in the church and cloisters. Some of the tombs even have to be standing upright due to lack of space in Westminster. Some of the rooms of the Westminster Abbey is: The Nave, The Cloister, the Chapter House, and the Henry VIII Chapel. The Nave is England's highest. Flying buttresses on the ceiling allows the ceiling to raise to 101 feet (31 meters). The nave also holds the grave of the Unknown Warrior from World War I. He died while on the battlefield in France and was buried here in French soil! The Cloister was originally built in the 13th century but was totally rebuilt after a fire in 1298. It completely destroyed the whole room before it was put out. After and possibly before the fire, The Cloister was used for monks to meditate and get some exercise. The Chapter House is one of the largest of it kind in England. The room is an extremely beautiful place in the church (though the whole chruch is simply magnificent). The floors date back to 1250 and the murals date back to the 14th century. The Henry VIII Chapel (also the Lady Chapel) was built in the 1503-1512. It is a fantastic chapel that was added to the end of the church, which is in the shape of a cross, and has little circles on the roof of white and gold. It has a large stained glass window to honor the Battle of Britain and dates back to 1947. It replaced the original, which was damaged badly during World War II. As you can see this church is a huge and beautiful buliding in England filled with many famous deceased people and creative ceilings and statues. This is a must see attraction on our trip to England! By: Caitlyn Dixon