Westminster Abbey

Church where coronations and funerals of the British royal house take place

Westminster Abbey is one of London's most distinctive buildings. Stately, imposing and typical English. Where countless celebrities are buried.

Westminster Abbey is actually named The Collegiate Church of St Peter. This famous Gothic-style building dates back to 1065. Officially, Westminster Abbey is not a church but a school. 

In 1579, Queen Elizabeth I decided that Westminster would fall under the responsibility of a ruler and not under the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Famous people buried

Nowadays, Westminster Abbey is traditionally the venue of crownings and funerals of members of British royalty. It is also where author Charles Dickens, explorer David Livingstone and nature researcher Charles Darwin are buried. 

Many fans of these influential people come here to pay them their last respects. Another well-known Londoner has a memorial here: William Shakespeare. His grave is in his birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon.

More information: www.westminster-abbey.org

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