Why Is Westminster Abbey Famous? Discover Its History

Located next to the Palace of Westminster, this majestic church is not only a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it’s a box full of surprises! Timeless despite its many reconstructions, its interior holds stories, secrets, and the remains of many prominent figures who rest here forever. If you still don’t know why Westminster Abbey is famous, you’re about to find out.

Discover Why Westminster Abbey Is Famous:

Because it was a sacred place before it was an abbey

Long before becoming the monumental temple we see today, in the year 960, a community of Benedictine monks settled on Thorney Island, then a remote area surrounded by the River Thames, where they established a monastic community.

But was it a sacred place just because of the monks' presence? Not at all. Legend has it that a fisherman had a vision of Saint Peter here, which is why, ever since, the Fishermen’s Guild brings salmon as an offering to the abbey. Oh! And just so you know, Westminster Abbey is actually called the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster—now you know why!

Because its construction evolved over the centuries

So that was the origin, but how did we get to the Abbey we see today? Construction began in 1045, ordered by King Edward the Confessor, as he wanted to be buried there. Interestingly, it was consecrated on December 28, 1065, just days before the king died on January 5. Since then, it has undergone numerous expansions and reconstructions that have shaped its current appearance.

One of the most significant renovations happened during the reign of Henry III in the 13th century, in the French Gothic style, which gave the abbey much of its final look. Later additions include the western towers (18th century), completing an architectural complex that has evolved over nearly a thousand years.

It’s been the site of coronations since William the Conqueror

One of the main reasons Westminster Abbey is famous is its role as the official site of royal coronations. From William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066 to the most recent one, that of Charles III, all royal coronations have taken place within its walls. The Coronation Chair of Saint Edward, used during these ceremonies, is one of the abbey’s most iconic pieces.

Because of its royal and illustrious tombs

Westminster Abbey is also renowned as the eternal resting place of many kings and queens. Among the most notable tombs are those of Elizabeth I, Mary Stuart, Henry V, and Edward the Confessor, among others.

But not only monarchs rest here. One of the most beloved spots for visitors is Poets’ Corner, where some of the greatest English literary figures are buried or commemorated. Here lie Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and Alfred Tennyson, among others.

Science also has a place here, with great scientists such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking buried in the abbey—reinforcing its status as a national pantheon not just for royalty, but also for intellectuals who changed the world.

It’s famous for a historic theft

The Stone of Destiny is a block of sandstone that was used for centuries in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish kings and, since the 13th century, British monarchs as well.

The stone was taken to England in 1296 by King Edward I as a war trophy, symbolizing Scotland’s submission to the English crown. From then on, it was placed in Westminster Abbey beneath the Coronation Chair of Saint Edward, used in every coronation since William the Conqueror.

But its story doesn’t end there. On Christmas morning in 1950, a group of four Scottish nationalist students managed to break into the abbey and steal the stone, intending to return it to Scotland. During the transport, the stone broke in two, adding even more symbolic and political tension to the act.

After several months of searching, the stone was recovered and returned to Westminster, although in 1996 the British government decided, as a gesture of reconciliation, to officially return it to Scotland. Today, it is kept at Edinburgh Castle, although it is brought back to London for coronations, such as that of Charles III.

A must-see when visiting London

Now you know why Westminster Abbey is famous, but this is just the beginning. Don’t miss the experience of walking through its naves, admiring the stained glass windows, and feeling the weight of history in every stone. If you’re planning a trip to London, we invite you to buy tickets to Westminster Abbey and discover the greatness of this unique place for yourself.