Gothic Westminster Abbey rises high above the River Thames in Westminster, Central London. Originally constructed in the 10th century, the Abbey has been the place of coronation for English and British monarchs since William the Conqueror in 1066. Many British royals are buried in the Westminster Abbey vault and the Abbey has hosted a variety of royal weddings.
History whispers from the walls of Westminster Abbey, so much of Britain's past connected within the old Gothic structure, the kings and queens joined by stories of poets, priests, heroes and villains. The current building dates to the 13th century and the entrance ticket includes the main abbey, plus the golden Coronation Chair and the 16th century Lady Chapel, once proclaimed as “the wonder of the entire world.” Visitors can also view part of the crypt.
Westminster Abbey remains a place of worship and everyone is welcome at the services. Entrance is free although only the main naïve is accessible. In particular, a weekday evening choir song fills Westminster Abbey with a resonant harmony, breathing life into the history that's etched across the walls.
Westminster Abbey is located besides the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, in the central borough of Westminster. Access is via Westminster or St James's Park London Underground stations. Alight from the station and the Abbey is clearly signposted.
The Abbey was built around AD960, when a fisherman saw a vision of Saint Peter near the site. King Edward extended it into a royal burial church in 1052 and King Henry III financed the current Abbey structure in 1245. While the building has changed over the millennia, fishermen continue to bring gifts of salmon to the Abbey every year.