For nearly a thousand years,Westminster Abbeyin London has played an important role in the British monarchy.
According to itsofficial website, Westminster Abbey has held every coronation of a British monarch since 1066 — as well as many royal weddings. It also serves as the final resting place of 30 past kings and queens and has long been the site of royal funerals, includingPrincess Diana’s in 1997 andQueen Elizabeth’s in 2022.
King Charles, who became the new monarch upon thedeath of his mother,Queen Elizabeth, on Sept. 8, 2022, will have his official coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023.
Here’s everything to know about the historic church where King Charles' coronation is taking place.
Westminster Abbey is renowned for its grand architecture
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The current Westminster Abbey mainly reflects King Henry III’s 13th-century design. The church features characteristics of classic Gothic architecture, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, rose windows and flying buttresses. In fact, at nearly 102 feet tall, the Abbey has the highest Gothic vault in all of England.
There are also obvious English influences in the architecture, like single rather than double aisles, elaborate moldings on the arches and marble columns.
Today, Westminster Abbey is an expansive structure with many sections and features that reflect its rich history. Some of the most noteworthy are the Nave (where many notable figures have been buried), the cloisters (a gathering place for monks from the 13th to 15th centuries), the Jerusalem Chamber (the former home of the Abbot, or head, of Westminster), the Poet’s Corner (where many famous writers have been buried or have memorials) and the Lady Chapel, which is the burial site of fifteen kings and queens.
It’s undergone numerous renovations over the years
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In the 16th century, King Henry VII constructed the lavish Lady Chapel, which features a carved vaulted roof and hanging pendants. It reflects the Perpendicular Gothic architecture, a later style of Gothic architecture that contrasts the rest of the Abbey.
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The exterior of the Abbey has also been restored several times in different types of stone. The most recent restoration occurred between 1973 and 1995.
In 2018, the new Weston Tower was opened to the public, marking the latest addition to the abbey. The tower allows visitors to access the triforium, which houses theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
It’s been the site ofevery coronation since 1066
Prince Philip bows to his wife, Queen Elizabeth, at her Coronation in 1953.Fox Photos/Getty Images
Since 1066, there have been 38 coronations and 39 monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey. The first documented coronation at the historic site was that of William the Conquerer on December 25, 1066.
Other notable coronations include George IV in 1821, Queen Victoria in 1838 andQueen ElizabethII in 1953. Early coronations were treated more as a spectacle than a religious ceremony, but when Queen Victoria was crowned in 1838, the tradition saw a renewed emphasis on religious significance.
Westminster Abbey will hostKing Charles' coronation on May 6, 2023
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The ceremony is expected to be more modest thanQueen Elizabeth’s coronation. It’s estimated that 2,000 guests will fill Westminster Abbey, while 8,251 people attendedQueen Elizabeth’s. The May 6 service will also be just 60 minutes, whereas the Queen held a three-hour coronation in 1953.
Among the guests will bePrince WilliamandKate Middleton— and their eldest son,Prince George, will serve as aPage of Honor.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed thatPrince Harrywill be in attendance, though Meghan Markle will remain in California with the couple’s children.
16 royal weddings have been held there
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The tradition of holding royal weddings at Westminster Abbey goes back 900 years to the marriage of Henry I and Princess Matilda of Scotland in 1100. Since then, a total of 16 royal weddings have occurred there, includingQueen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s 1947 union.
Westminster Abbey was also the site ofPrince WilliamandKate Middleton’slavish 2011 nuptials. With 2,200 guests, the Abbey was filled to capacity — though nearly a billion people total tuned in to watch the couple tie the knot.
It’s the site of royal funerals and burials
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Westminster Abbey also serves as a resting place for past monarchs and has held many royal funerals.
Across both St. Edward’s Chapel and the Lady Chapel, there are thirteen kings, four queens regnant (those who reigned), eleven queens consort (those married to a king) and two other queens buried.
Princess Diana’s funeral was also held at Westminster Abbey. She was then buried at the Spencer family estate.
It’s open to the public
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Though Westminster Abbey will be closed from April 25 through May 8 for King Charles' coronation, it is typically open to the public both for guided tours as well as church services. Guests can tour attractions like the chapels and royal tombs and can even view the coronation chair, which has been a part of royal coronations for over 700 years.
source: people.com
