Where is Westminster Abbey? London location of Queen’s funeral, who is buried there, when was it built

Thousands of world leaders and dignitaries arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s state funeral on Monday (19 September).

Her Majesty’s state funeral followed the lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, where hundreds of thousands of mourners turned out to pay their respects, with some even queuing overnight in single digit temperatures.

It lasted for four days with the Queen’s coffin then making the journey to Westminster Abbey.

The Abbey was an important location for the late Queen, having hosted her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947, her coronation in 1953 and the weddings of her grandchildren.

So where is Westminster Abbey and what is its significance? Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey is located in central London, just west of the Houses of Parliament, in the Greater London borough of Westminster.

The closest tube station to the Abbey is Westminster on the Jubilee, District & Circle Lines and St. James’s Park on the District and Circle Line.

The nearest rail station is either London Victoria or London Waterloo.

When was it built?

Westminster Abbey was built in 1269 AD, making it over 800 years old.

The Abbey is set on the grounds of a former Benedictine monastery which was built in 960 AD.

In 1040, King Edward decided to enlarge the monastery, adding on a church, which became known as the “West Minster”, whilst St Paul’s was known as the “East Minster”.

The King did not survive to see the church’s consecration and was entombed in the high altar following his death.

The Abbey has undergone many changes throughout the last eight centuries, with King Henry III deciding to redesign it in the 13th Century.

Another new addition was added on by King Henry VII, the first of the Tudors, he commissioned the Lady Chapel, which is known for its fan-vaulted roof.

The western towers, which had been left unfinished since the Middle Ages, were finally completed in 1745.

Kings and Queens have been crowned at the Abbey since 1066, with the Abbey being the burial place for more than 3,000 royals and people of historic significance.

In 1987, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Who is buried there?

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for over 3,000 people, including 30 Kings and Queens.

The first King to be buried in the abbey was King Edward the Confessor who died before its completion.

His ornate tomb stands behind the high altar.

Here are the Kings who are buried in Westminster Abbey:

The last monarch to be buried in Westminster Abbey was King George II who died in 1760.

The late King is buried in a vault under the central chapel aisle, with his queen Caroline.

As well as monarchs, people of historical significance are also buried in the Abbey including William Pitt, Geoffrey Chauncer, Henry Purcell, Charles Darwin and Issac Newton.

Most recently, in 2018, the ashes of prominent physicist Stephen Hawking were interned in the Abbey.

When is the Queen’s funeral?

The Queen’s funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday (19 September) at 11am.

Her Majesty had celebrated many important events at the Abbey, including her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 and her coronation in 1953.

It was also the scene of royal weddings, including that of Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Catherine the Princess of Wales in 2011.

However, it also had sad memories for the Queen, with the ceremonial funeral of late husband, Prince Philip being held there in 2021.

The Queen herself, will have a state funeral at the Abbey, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

At midday there will be a two-minutes silence held across the UK.

Following on from her service, the coffin will travel in a procession led by King Charles to Wellington Arch, before going to Windsor Castle for a private ceremony at the King George VI Chapel.