Westminster Abbey is a church of the Church of England with a history of over 1000 years. It has deep connections with the British monarchy and is the site where coronation ceremonies of successive kings have taken place. It all began with William the Conqueror, who was crowned on Christmas Day in 1066, and continued with more recent events, including the coronation of Charles III. (Note: A few kings were crowned elsewhere.) Additionally, it was the location for significant events such as the wedding of Prince William (the current Prince of Wales) and Catherine Middleton in 2011, and the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
The Coronation Chair, used for coronation ceremonies, has been in use for over 600 years and is a national treasure. You can actually see it.
Inside the abbey, you will find a multitude of monuments and sculptures, as well as the final resting place for 16 British monarchs and queens, along with more than 3000 other prominent individuals. World-renowned figures such as Isaac Newton and the 19th-century literary giant Charles Dickens are buried here, making it a place of great significance for people, including those from Japan.
Westminster Abbey is not only a site for historically significant events on a national level but is also a deeply familiar place as a Church of England establishment. Please be aware that there is an admission fee for visiting, and opening hours may change without notice, so it is recommended to confirm in advance.
