Tommy says…

My thoughts: From the outside, Westminster Abbey is as magnificnet as you might expect, especially the Gothic exoskeleton formed by flying buttresses on a grand scale. The walls of the church has an interesting patchwork appearance, though – some of it unintentional, due to new, lighter stones replacing old, darkened ones; other bits are deliberate. The Northern Entrance, for example, features alternatively yellow and grey coloured statuery and other adornments – either coloured terra cotta or painted stone.

The church advertises with a byline “From 1065 to Today”, no doubt designed to remind the visitor of that moment of beginning in English history of 1066, for Westminster Abbey was an integral backdrop to that turbulent episode. It was built by Edward the Confessor, whose death triggered the race for power of 1066, and who is buried at the heart of the church behind the high altar. It was consecrated shortly before his death. Within the next year, it saw the coronation of both of the major contestants of the throne of England - Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror.

Ever since then, the Abbey has been intertwined with English history. Its role as a funerary Hall of Fame of the nation has meant that for the most part it is an exhibition space for tombs and monuments. One particular striking monument is located in Islip Chapel (“A” on this plan of the abbey) – two marble figures start back atop a pedestal, while a grim reaper emerges through a metal door in the pedestal, reaching to strike the main figures with a sword.

The sense of history is palpable, not just by the names on the graves and monuments, but even more so by the chiselled out coats of arms and missing effigies that hint at turbluence over the centuries.

Henry VII’s Lady Chapel presents a bright and airy contrast to the Gothic gloom of the rest of the church. An interesting monument to look out for is dedicated to a master mason. It consists of a mirror set at waist level, that allows the visitor to see, without straining the neck, the elaborate fan vaulting on the ceiling of this chapel.

Tips: Photography is not allowed in the abbey itself.

Check last admission times. On Saturdays, last admission is 1:45. If you gamble and get in around last admission, you should finish the tour just in time for evensong (3pm on Saturday, 5pm other days).

Admission is £7 for students, but worship on Sunday is free.

Follow the specified route in the introductory pamphlet. Certain parts of the church are not accessible from other parts unless you follow the prescribed route, so if you miss one part (as I did) you would have to trace your stelps all the way back.

Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

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