Our sixth day in London started with the famous Westminster Abbey. With a history that goes back for a thousand years, it has been the site of numerous royal coronations and weddings as well as the final resting place of kings, queens, writers, musicians, politicians, scientists and other important figures from history.
The church as we know it today began construction in the year 1245; the first large building was commissioned by King Edward the Confessor in 1042. It is such an incredible monument to the history of London. It was something I wanted to see on my first trip back in 2019, but we didn’t have time. Getting to see it with another history lover felt magical.
The tombstone of a member of the clergy.
The tomb of Sir Robert Thomas Wilson (1777-1849) and his wife Jemina (1777-1823). He was a British army officer and politician. Their thirteen children are depicted at the bottom.
The grave of Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727).
The High Alter.
The evocative monument to Algernon Coote, Earl of Mountrath (died 1744) and his wife Diana (died 1766). Designed by Sir William Chambers and made by Joseph Wilton. It depicts Diana rising from her tomb being greeted by an angel. The angel is pointing upwards towards Algernon (who was removed in 1876) who had an open seat waiting for his wife. Part of the Latin inscription reads “Thus, love unites in the tomb - even after death - those whom it happily united in life”.
Tomb of King Edward I, also known as “Longshanks” (1239-1307).
The Tomb of King Henry III (1207-1272).
A close up of the remaining intricate mosaic work.
The Tomb of Eleanor of Castile (1244-1290), the beloved first wife of King Edward I.
The Tomb of Sir Giles Daubeney (1452-1508) and his wife Elizabeth (dates unknown). They were both well known figures in the courts of several kings throughout the Wars of the Roses. Sir Giles was a soldier and diplomat who ultimately shifted his support from Richard III to Henry Tudor. He fought at Battle of Bosworth Field, where Henry Tudor won his crown and became King Henry VII.
The Tomb of Sir John Puckering (1544-1596), a lawyer and politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. His widow Jane (died 1611) is shown by his side, however, she remarried after his death and is buried at a different location.
The Tomb of Sir Thomas Bromley (1530-1587), a lawyer and politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He presided over the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Tomb of King Henry V (1387-1422).
A wall plaque honoring Anne Neville (1456-1485), younger daughter of Richard Neville “The King-Maker” and wife of Richard III.
The Tomb of William de Valence (died 1296). A soldier and half brother of Henry III. The cushion under his head is still vibrant with beautifully patterned enamel. You can still see the chainmail pattern on his armor. Although damaged, the coronet on his head looks like it would have held ornamental stones.
A detail from the tomb of Richard Pecksall (died 1571), showing his four daughters.
The tomb of Frances Brandon (1517-1559). She is the elder daughter of Charles Brandon and Mary Tudor (sister of Henry VIII). She is the mother of Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Days Queen”.
The Tomb of Sir George Villiers (1544-1606) and his wife Mary (1570-1632).
Getting in line to see the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603).
The beautiful roses that surround her tomb.
The breathtaking Lady Chapel.
The RAF Chapel, dedicated to the men of the Royal Air Force who died in the Battle of Britain during World War II.
The Tomb of King Henry VII (1457-1509) and Queen Elizabeth of York (1466-1503). Their marriage ended the Wars of the Roses and began the Tudor reign.
The tomb of Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881). He was the Victorian Dean of Westminster.
Max (on the left) admiring the beautiful details.
The tomb of Geoffrey Chaucer (died 1400). Considered to be the father of English Literature, he is most famous for writing The Canterbury Tales.
Memorial statue for William Shakespeare (1564-1616). The world famous playwright is buried at Holy Trinity Church in Warwickshire but he is honored at Westminster Abbey.
The tomb of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587).
The tomb of Lady Margaret Beaufort (1443-1509). The mother of Henry VII, grandmother of Henry VIII, great grandmother of Elizabeth I. One of the incredible survivors of the Wars of the Roses and a personal favorite historical figure of mine. She was married at the age of twelve, then became a widow and mother at the age of thirteen. She only had one child, likely due to the difficult pregnancy and childbirth at such a young age, but she was devoted to her son.
During the Wars of the Roses, her son (thirteen years old at the time) was taken to mainland Europe by his uncle for his safety. She would not see him again until he was twenty seven. Power changed hands numerous times and Margaret was always maneuvering to get her son back safely and restore the lands he inherited. She communicated in secret with the former Queen Elizabeth Woodville through their mutual physician. She was caught in a scheme to dethrone Richard III in the Buckingham’s Rebellion in 1483 and was stripped of her lands and titles. She was imprisoned in her home. Disgraced and against all odds, she remained in communication with her son and continued to support him.
Her son did return to England and won the Battle of Bosworth Field. He became King Henry VII. Their fortunes changed dramatically again - this time for their great benefit. Margaret spent the rest of her life assisting her son in strengthening his reign. She would ultimately outlive her son, but only by two months. Some of her last acts were to help organize her son’s funeral and the coronation of her grandson, King Henry VIII, before passing away on June 29th, 1509 at the age of 66.
On her tomb, she is depicted with her hands folded in prayer. Not idealized, but rough and wrinkled with age. She worked very hard for her family and is remembered for her remarkable intellect and tireless devotion.
The Cloister Garth.
One of the oldest parts of Westminster Abbey, the Chapter House, was built approximately 1246-1255. Much of the original stained glass was damaged during World War II, some glass was salvaged and reused.
Some of the intricate medieval tile pavement.
Some of the walls still have the original medieval paintings depicting scenes from the bible.
The Pyx Chamber, even older than the Chapter House, was built in about 1070.
Another view of the Cloister Garth.
An old tomb built into the floor and heavily worn down with the passage of time.
The Little Cloister.
The beautiful College Garden.
Max (on the left) taking pictures of the birds in the grass.
Max stopping to pet a sweet little cat.
The Coronation Chair, used for coronation ceremonies since 1309.
Portrait of King Richard II from the mid 1390’s.
After leaving Westminster Abbey we got some coffee and snacks and walked back.
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower.
Boadicea and Her Daughters, by Thomas Thornycroft.
