This is a sponsored article on behalf of Westminster Abbey.
Royal weddings. Famous burials. Every coronation since 1066. For over 1000 years, Westminster Abbey has been a place where history is made.
But even the biggest British history buff could benefit from a fresh perspective on this world-famous London landmark. And that’s exactly what Westminster Abbey’s autumn events programme has to offer.
From out-of-hours tours that take in rarely-seen spaces, to talks on historical figures who found their final resting place at the abbey, there’s lots to get stuck into. Read on for a few of our highlights.
An intriguing origin story
Let’s start at the beginning — around 960AD, to be (im)precise. That’s when the first 12 monks arrived on the site which would become Westminster Abbey. Discover the story of this Benedictine monastery — from its founding in the 10th century to its dramatic dissolution by Henry VIII in the 16th — on an expert-led tour.
You’ll follow in the footsteps of the medieval monks, exploring some of the abbey’s most atmospheric spaces, including the Nave and Quire, where the monks gathered for daily worship, and the Pyx Chamber, which is the abbey’s oldest surviving room.
Power and propaganda
Take a quick trip to Tudor England, with a lunchtime talk on Henry VII at St Margaret’s Church (just a minute’s walk from Westminster Abbey, on Parliament Square). Here, historian Nathen Amin will reveal how Henry VII harnessed power, image, and ceremony to cement his dynasty, and dip into the wider world of Tudor propaganda.
A site of remembrance
You might know that Westminster Abbey is home to one of the most significant remembrance memorials in the country: the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. But how did this unidentified fallen soldier come to rest here? Retrace his final journey and explore the Abbey’s wider role in commemoration, on a poignant tour which takes place around Remembrance Sunday.
Dickens and Christmas
Get into the Christmas spirit this December with a lunchtime talk which reveals how Charles Dickens shaped Britain’s festive celebrations. At St Margaret’s Church, Charles Dickens Museum curator Kirsty Parsons explores why the famed novelist, journalist and social critic is so closely associated with the season.
The Abbey unlocked
Experience Westminster Abbey at its most tranquil, with an intimate tour that takes place before it opens its doors to the general public.
Westminster Abbey Unlocked gives you the chance to see its most treasured spaces in a whole new light. Take in Poets’ Corner — where literary giants like Chaucer are buried or otherwise commemorated — in peace. Marvel at the Shrine of Edward the Confessor. Bask in the medieval beauty of the Lady Chapel, bathed in morning sunlight.
Sounds special, doesn’t it? The tour takes place a mere handful of dates this November and December, with only 12 places per tour, you better get your skates on if you want to get involved this side of Christmas.
That’s just a snapshot of what’s going on at Westminster Abbey right now. See the full event programme and book your tickets now.
