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The Abbey offers visitors a personal glimpse into rich British history and the royalty, artisans, musicians and religious figures that have shaped the country.
The Abbey's 700-year-old building was originally the site of The Collegiate Church of St.
Peter at Westminster; while this is still the official name of the church, it's commonly referred to as Westminster Abbey.
During the church's long history, Benedictine monks resided in the location.
The Gothic church in the Westminster area of London received a charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1560, and since that time the church has served as a sacred place for coronations, burials, and weddings.
The church still offers daily services, and thousands of people worship there.
Some of the most important moments in England's history have taken place in the Abbey, including many of the coronations since 1066.
In recent history, the Abbey held the funeral of Princess Diana, the recent wedding of Prince William, and weddings of many famous members of royalty, such as King Henry I and King Richard II.
Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope to visit the abbey.
Over time, the Abbey became the burial place for many great men and women in Britain's development, including poets, scientists, royalty, musicians, religious figures, explorers and mathematicians.
The special poets' corner holds names like Williams Blake, T.
S.
Eliot, John Milton, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
For a 500-year period beginning in the thirteenth century, nearly all members of the royal family were buried here after death.
Today, visitors to Westminster have the opportunity to see this magnificent building, explore its rich history and view priceless artifacts.
Both audio and docent-led tours are offered for those who wish to further explore the abbey.
The abbey's museum holds a collection of unique items from coronations and funerals, including effigies, mediaeval glass, altarpieces, royal regalia, armor and coronation chairs.
The three original abbey Westminster gardens provide a serene place for visitors to reflect.
The Garth, Little Cloister and College Gardens each provide a look at life at the abbey for Benedictine monks and others who called it home.
Few London places are as iconic as Westminster Abbey, a place that represented the great history and vibrant present of the country.
The abbey's close proximity to other London sites, such as Buckingham Palace and the National Gallery, make it an ideal location for a visit to London.
No other area of London can offer the quality of 5-start luxury hotels Westminster can.
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