Westminster Abbey: photo, description, history, map 2021

Westminster Abbey can be called the highlight of the capital of Great Britain without exaggeration. This is not an ordinary church, because within its walls for several centuries in a row the monarchs of the island state have been crowned and seen off on their last journey. But most tourists come to the gates of the grandiose building not at all because of such a significant role of the temple in the life of the rulers of England.

In fact, the church is a unique example of Gothic architecture, thanks to which the complex has been included in the World Heritage List since 1987. If you are a connoisseur of Gothic architecture, you like the history of one of the most mysterious and magnificent countries in the world, we definitely recommend finding time and visiting the cathedral complex.

History of creation

According to historical information, the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster (that is the official name of the building) was built over a period of six centuries – from 1245. The official opening took place in 1745. It is easy to guess that architects of different eras and views took part in the implementation of the bold project. Therefore, the cathedral turned out to be so majestic, versatile and mysterious.

By the way, historians say that this place was considered special from ancient times. The first buildings of a religious orientation appeared in the vicinity in the 7th century. According to experts, the first church was erected under King Sabert and over time was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded in the same way as the influence of the abbey expanded. In 1245, on the personal order of Henry III, the construction of the complex began, which also appears before our eyes. It was this monarch who became the author of the idea to expand the functions of the cathedral through the mandatory coronation of English monarchs. Since that time, a tradition has appeared to bury the rulers in a part of the structure specially designated for this purpose.

Features of the abbey

Like all Gothic cathedrals, St. Peter's Church appears before us in the form of a cross. The main building can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors and covers an area of ​​3,000 sq.m. Chapels are located in the eastern part, including the chapel of Our Lady of Henry VII, famous throughout England. If you want to look at the inspiring image of the eleven apostles, we recommend that you go to the rose window, which was created by the genius J. Thornhill.

No less charming is another window, the author of which is W. Price and which is successfully decorated with a colorful stained-glass window. It has been pleasing the eyes of visitors to the cathedral since the distant 1735 and miraculously did not suffer during the sad events of the Second World War.

Another unique place in the religious complex is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The commemorative sign is installed just under the stained-glass window and is dedicated to the human sacrifices that England suffered during the First World War. It is here that you can meet many political officials who come to visit the island and, according to a long tradition, lay flowers and pay tribute to the memory of the dead.

It is impossible to pass by the grandiose crystal chandeliers that adorn the vaults of the church. These unique lighting fixtures were brought as a gift on the occasion of the ninetieth anniversary of the complex by the famous Guinness family.

But tourists from Russia and other countries that were part of the former USSR experience special pride when they see two grandiose icons belonging to the hand of the brilliant artist S. Fedorov. One of the paintings depicts Christ, and the second is dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms. These are almost the only modern items that were installed in the church in 1994.

Unusual burials

If you think that the honor to rest after death in the walls of the Gothic abbey is awarded exclusively to monarchs, you are greatly mistaken. In addition to the rulers of the country, a number of famous poets also found their last refuge here. For these purposes, a special place has been set aside in the religious complex, which is called the “Poets' Corner”. J. Chaucer was the first to receive such a high honor back in 1400. Later, “he was accompanied by” E. Spencer, S. Johnson, C. Dickens and many other workers of the pen.

ancient garden

If you have the honor of being in the famous abbey, you should definitely take a walk through the College Garden, which has existed here for more than nine centuries. The oldest trees were planted almost simultaneously with the erection of the walls that enclose them. It happened in 1849.

Initially, the garden had as its goal the cultivation of those varieties of plants that have medicinal and other useful properties. Fruits and vegetables were also actively cultivated and used as ingredients for cooking food for the monks. Today here you can find a rich combination of fruit trees, rare shrubs and herbs.

Among the greenery of the garden, it is impossible not to notice the statues of saints, which were originally an element of the altar and date back to 1686. In 1993, the statues were joined by another magnificent sculpture – “Crucifixion” – the author of which is the Briton E. Pyazzotti.

Strict rules

It is worth noting that only monks can attend services in the cathedral. For ordinary citizens, access to the hall was closed. At the same time, a separate place for prayers is reserved for the laity, which was built in the Romanesque style in 1523. The church bears the name of St. Margaret and is another unique creation of brilliant architects.

What else to see

In addition to magnificent stained-glass windows, a huge number of tombstones of famous Englishmen of all times and peoples, you can also visit one of the music concerts in the cathedral. It is noteworthy that compositions not only of a spiritual orientation sound here. You can even hear modern compositions.

The doors of the church are open daily to all tourists. It will not be possible to get inside on Sundays, when prayers are held in the abbey.

While on a visit to England, be sure to find the opportunity to visit a unique religious building, which is also a huge treasury of masterpieces of painting, various art movements and historical documents.

Recommended reading What to see in London.