You’ve probably heard of Westminster Abbey, even if you haven’t seen it.
It’s one of the most visited buildings in the UK, and perhaps the greatest example of 11th century gothic architecture in the world.
This stunning church has played host to many Royal weddings, important state funerals and is a symbol of hope and faith in the United Kingdom.
We know for sure there was an abbey run by Benedictine monks in mid 10th century, making this stunning building over 1,000 years old- although construction on the abbey as we know it today was started in the 11th century, thanks to the English King Edward the Confessor who is still buried there today.
Book a room in the stunning Bayswater Inn Hotel London for an incredibly central location and a very luxurious stay in the city. Not only is it one of the best London hotels with triple rooms, it’s also one of the finest hotels near Royal Albert Hall and is a beautiful walk away from Westminster Abbey.
Here are 6 reasons to visit the absolutely astonishing Westminster Abbey the next time you visit London.
The World’s Most Beautiful Church?
We have mentioned it already, but it’s a pretty important element of the Abbey- it is surely one of the most beautiful church buildings in the world.
The magnificent Lady Chapel is widely regarded as one of the only true masterpieces of great mediaeval architecture with its stunningly intricate vaulted ceilings and jaw dropping stained glass windows.
The incredible gothic details and lavish interior mean that this building is truly one of a kind.
Famous Names
It is considered one of the highest honours for anyone to be laid to rest in the abbey, and since the 10th century there have been thousands of people interred here.
The list includes 16 Monarchs, 8 Prime Ministers, many important public figures and some renowned scientists.
You can visit the tombs of Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Laurence Olivier, Anne of Cleves and many more.
You’ll also find the grave of the Unknown Soldier who was buried here after dying in battle during WWI. His grave acts as a symbol to all those who died in the war effort and remain unidentified.
Poet’s Corner
Geoffrey Chaucer is widely regarded as being one of the seminal authors in British history, and can be found in the abbey.
It became tradition to lay the remains of other writers and poets in the same area, now known as ‘Poet’s Corner’.
It is considered the highest honour for any writer.
Coronation HQ
Westminster Abbey has been the location where no less than 39 English and British Monarchs have been coronated- soon to be 40!
The tradition started with the coronation of William the Conqueror after the successful Norman invasion in 1066.
The Door to the Past
Westminster Abbey is home to London’s oldest door, and you can walk through it.
You may well be distracted from the door itself by the world’s most beautiful interior detailing that surrounds you, but don’t forget that the door you passed through was built somewhere around the 1050s!
That’s a pretty old door!
Westminster Abbey
Make sure you visit Westminster Abbey the next time you are in London, it truly is an incredible spectacle.
It’s one of the most captivating buildings on the face of the earth, so it will make your trip a pretty memorable experience. And at the end of the day you can return to pure comfort at one of the best hotels in Bayswater London; the Bayswater Inn Hotel.
