Westminster Abbey’s special treasures
Posted by Ellee on Feb 4, 2011 in Blog, News | 10 commentsI had a couple of hours to spare in Westminster this week and decided to visit the Abbey where Prince William and Kate Middleton will tie the knot this April. Whenever I pass by there are usually long queues outside of tourists from around 
the globe who are keen to see the many splendours of the final resting place of some of our famous monarchs and poets, including Elizabeth 1 and Chaucer. However, on this day, I was able to walk straight in.
My initial reaction was how small it seemed for a congregation of world leaders, family and friends – but I was reassured after a guide informed me that tiered benches will be installed to seat 2,800. That is surely enough for any wedding, including royalty, but it still looks like it will be a bit of a crush.
A couple of lesser known attractions caught my eye, including this 900-year-old old oak door which is reputed to be the oldest in Britain and was once thought to be covered in human skin. I didn’t realise this when when I stroked the study wooden structure as I wanted to connect with its centuries old history, and was relieved to learn that tests showed the skin was that of a cow hide and not, as legend said, the skin of a punished man. It was only identified in 2005 as the oldest door in the UK and was put in place in the 1050s, during the reign of the Abbey’s founder, Edward the Confessor. It is believed to be the only surviving Anglo Saxon door in Britain. And I touched it!
At the end of the tour, I was also able to observe conservators at work painstakingly restoring the Coronation Chair on which nearly every British monarch has been crowned since 1308; as you can see, there is still lots to be done for it to be completed in time for Prince Charles’s coronation.
The work is being done in an enclave overlooking the grave of the unknown warrior on which nobody is allowed to stand, not even the Queen. So when the Prince William and Kate enter the Abbey through the glass door, as well as the bridesmaids and entourage, they will respectfully walk around it. I certainly never feel comfortable walking on tombstones.
The Abbey is also cashing in on its good fortune to host the royal wedding by selling commemorative plates and books in its shop. It’s a huge commercial bonus for them and a huge blessing for their fundraising.
(click on pics to enlarge)
So beautiful…There used to be a door with a flayed skin on it at Worcester Cathedral although it’s no longer on display and I don’t think it predated the cathedral.
I didn’t realise this when when I stroked the sturdy wooden structure as I wanted to connect with its centuries old history …
One of your classic lines, Ellee.
disaffected, thanks for sharing your memories. I think Westminster will provide a more intimate setting. I was in awe of its heritage and its incredible royal connections and tombs.
Cherry Pie, I know you would enjoy it as you love historic events, so I highly recommend it for when you have time to spare in London.
Kevin, you’ve certainly seen some interesting places. I’m glad you enjoyed The King’s Speech. The Westminster Abbey scene was actually filmed in Ely Cathedral – and they have notices up about this. I think your lads would enjoy learning about the monarchs who are buried at the Abbey and the headphones are a great help.
Speech, of course.
I used to have a free run of St Paul’s crypt when I was a copper. It was a favourite ‘tea hole’ for bobbies hiding away from the cold and damp. One could easily be spooked at the broken tombs with the bodies visible. (Seriously !)
I also had an all access pass to the Natural History Museum for my first job working for a building contractor. There is ten times as much stored in basement corridors than there is on display. I rounded one corner and bumped into a Woolly Mammoth.
I’m looking forward to an event which is happening soon. We are having a special guest come to stay at our house and I shall blog about it. I think you’ll love it, Ellee. Fingers crossed it all goes ahead.
PS. The King’s Speach was everything you said it would be. Thanks for the recommendation.
It is a place I have never quite managed to visit. I must make the effort soon.
I was luck enough to get an invite to the official service held there last Rememberance Day for the military .
My son in law is a major in the rifles and was on official duty in the Abbey on the day so got invites for his wife ( my daughter ) and I to attend.
It was filled with military personel from all three services and all ranks.
We were sat on the second row from the front and it was a moving occasion .
The Abbeys real claim to fame is that it is the resting place of Edward the Confessor ( reigned from 1042 till 1066 )
Confessor meaning one who has lead a good and Godly life .
Though married he was so pious that he chose to live a celibate life. He was canonised in 1163.
It was along with Canterbury ( St Thomas a Becket) a major place of pilgramage for hundreds of years , it was believed praying there to the Saint could heal the sick .
St Edward is buried close to the High Alter .
Just in front of the alter is the famous Cosmati pavement , laid down in 1268 in the reign of Henry 111.
It is at present having wonderful restoration work done to it .
I think the Abbey is far greater than St Pauls as it truelly has the feel of being ageless and sanctified .
Great post and photos. I am incredibly jealous. I wish to have the opportunity to visit Europe and all of its wonderful rich history, especially the homes of the monarchs and the churches! Thanks for sharing this… I feel a little closer to that dream. =D
Yes, St Paul’s is much larger. I was surprised how small Westminster Abbey is, and in fact a large number of the guests are likely not to get a good view of the royal wedding.
I was wondering whether they’d do the larger St Pauls where his Mum and Dad got married or the easier Westminster Abbey (re route and all)…
… I love that church! Only time I ever saw a prime minister I saw John Major standing there and police everywhere. He was so tall!
(And so grey!!!)