Coronation Church

Westminster Abbey, that is the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, was begun by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century.

William the Conqueror was crowned here on Christmas Day in 1066, and since then all English sovereigns, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, have been crowned here, and most were buried here until the early 19th century.

Here you can find the Coronation Chair as well. The chair has been used for all the coronations in the Abbey since 1308.

Entry to the Abbey is through the North Door, which leads into the North Transept, known as Statemen’s Aisle, because of its many monuments to 18th and 19th century politicians.

There’s also Poets’ Corner with many tombs and memorials to great writers, musicians, actors and scientists, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens Newton and Darwin.

Leaving the church by the west door, you can find 10 statues of 20th century Christian martyrs in niches above the entrance. One of them is Martin Luther King.

Opening times:
Mon-Fri: 09.00-16.45
Sat: 09.00-14.45
Museum Daily: 10.30-16.00

Admission: £6.00 (discount)

Address: Deans Yard, SW1

Directions: St James's Park tube

Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 109, 159, 211

Phone: 0 20 7654 4900

Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org