Westminster Abbey

When our memorial to Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë was dedicated in 1947, the diaereses (the two dots over the ‘e’) were missing from the literary sisters' surname - an error that was corrected when the memorial was updated in 2024. #31DaysOfGraves #Accident

This copy of Magna Carta in the Abbey's Library collection was made in 1300 and is one of just six known to have survived from this date. The charter was sealed by King John in 1215 and established the universal right to justice and a fair trial. #ManuscriptMonday

'The hour before the heavenly-harness'd team begins his golden progress in the east' - Henry IV, Part I (III, 1) #ShakespeareSunday #Nighttime

Among the most romantic memorials in the Abbey is that to Algernon Coote, Earl of Mountrath, and his wife Diana A life-size figure of the Countess rises from her tomb, supported by a descending angel, who points upwards towards heaven, where the Earl awaits his devoted wife #31DaysOfGraves #Wings

This dramatic memorial by Louis-Francois Roubiliac is to Elizabeth Nightingale. It shows a skeleton of Death emerging from his prison to aim his dart at the dying figure of Elizabeth. She is held by her husband Joseph, who in horror tries to ward off the stroke of Death. #31DaysofGraves #Mouning

The mystery surrounding the identity of a skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus in the Abbey grounds 150 years ago appears to have been solved. Find out more about this piece of historic detective work and the fascinating history of the sarcophagus at: www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-news/m...

This moving crucifixion scene can be found on the wall of the Abbey's St Faith's Chapel and dates from around 1290-1300. St Faith's is set aside for private prayer during visiting hours and anyone is welcome to spend a moment of quiet contemplation here. #WallsOnWednesday

Our memorial stone to writer DH Lawrence was dedicated in Poets' Corner in 1985 to mark the centenary of his birth. It lies close to our memorials to Lord Byron and Lewis Carroll, and is illustrated with a phoenix rising from a log fire, the flames shown in red. #31DaysOfGraves #Fire

In the Abbey's north transept stands a monument to Prime Minister William Pitt. The white marble memorial, by sculptor John Bacon, cost £6,000. It features the female figure of Earth, with a globe, fruit and flowers. #30DaysofGraves #Earth

'You have an excellent armour' - Henry V (III, 7) This wooden shield and 7-foot long, two-handed broadsword belonged to Edward III. They were kept by his tomb in the Abbey following his death and are now on display in our museum. #ShakespeareSunday

Our memorial to writer and Christian apologist CS Lewis is inscribed with words from an address he gave entitled Is Theology Poetry: ‘I believe in Christianity as I believe the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else’. #31DaysOfGraves #Faith

Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry, was buried in the Abbey in 1400. He was the first writer to be buried in what became known as Poets' Corner, beginning a tradition which now sees more than a hundred of our greatest poets and novelists remembered there. #30DaysofGraves #Literature

Our dramatic memorial to Lt General William Hargrave shows him rising from his coffin as a figure of Time breaks the dart of Death who loses his crown and falls downwards. Sculptor Louis Francois Roubiliac achieved the illusion of depth and perspective by painting the stone #31DaysOfGraves #Brick

This is the Abbey's muniment room, where our archive collection is kept. The room is set above the Abbey floor with a view down into Poets' Corner, and on the partition wall is a painting of a white hart - the badge of Richard II. #WallsOnWednesday

Did you know that actor and playwright Ben Jonson is the only person to be buried in an upright position in the Abbey? He had told the Dean of Westminster that he was too poor for a grave in Poets' Corner and that 'two feet by two feet will do for all I want'. #30DaysofGraves #Unusual

Many of the records in our archive collection give a fascinating insight into life at the medieval Abbey. This account roll is the work of the cellarer - a senior monastic official responsible for the Abbey's provisions - and dates from 1357-8. #ManuscriptMonday

Playwright, composer, actor and humourist Noel Coward is remembered in the Abbey with this memorial stone. He modestly described his gifts as 'a talent to amuse' - words which are inscribed on the stone. #31DaysOfGraves #Humour

The gilt bronze tomb effigy of Margaret Beaufort shows the countess in her old age, wearing a widow's dress with a hood and long mantle. At her feet lies a yale, a mythical antelope‑like creature, whose horns have been lost in the centuries since her death. #30DaysofGraves #Missing

The Innocent Victims' Memorial, just outside the Abbey's Great West Door, remembers all those who have suffered death, torture and oppression throughout the world. The memorial was designed by Irish sculptor Ken Thompson and was unveiled by HM Queen Elizabeth II #onthisday in 1998.

In 1556, a monument was erected at the Abbey celebrating the most famous chronicler of pilgrimages, Geoffrey Chaucer. Now, 470 years on, discover the part the Abbey plays in the life of modern-day pilgrims: www.westminster-abbey.org/about/abbey-review/stories/the-enduring-power-of-pilgrimage

Our memorial stone to the four founders of the Royal Ballet - Ninette de Valois, Frederick Ashton, Constant Lambert and Margot Fonteyn - was dedicated in 2009. The flowing gold lettering was designed to depict movement. You can find the stone in the south transept. #31DaysOfGraves #Lettering

A very warm welcome to our newest St Margaret’s Choristers, who were admitted to the Choir last week! Along with celebrating Year 8 being admitted as Choristers after their first year, we also welcomed four new Junior Choristers into Year 7.

Simon Langham was the only abbot of Westminster to become a cardinal. His alabaster tomb lies in the Chapel of St Benedict, where two dogs rest at his feet. Dogs were often used on clergy tombs in the middle ages to represent the faith of the deceased. #30DaysofGraves #Animal

Don't miss Choral Evensong live from the Abbey on BBC Radio 3 at 3pm (BST) today. The service will be sung by @WAbbeyChoir and will mark the programme's 100th anniversary. You can listen live or on demand via BBC Sounds at: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m003215k

'Words and music combine to create an experience that has been described as balm for the soul' Ahead of its centenary service from the Abbey today, John Rutter reflects on the enduring appeal of Radio 3 Choral Evensong: www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/what-to-listen-to/sir-john-rutter-choral-evensong/

This is our memorial to the famous Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, whose ship Association floundered off the Scilly Isles in stormy weather in 1707. Shovell is depicted in Roman armour and wearing a large wig. At the base of the monument is a relief of the shipwreck. #31DaysOfGraves #Weather

Today's #31DaysofGraves theme is #Vehicle so we're looking at our memorial to Thomas Tynne, murdered in 1681 on the orders of Count Karl Johann Konigsmark, a jealous suitor of his wife. The killers waylaid Thynne's coach in London's Haymarket and fired into it - a scene depicted on the memorial.

Joseph Wilcocks served as Dean of Westminster from 1731 until his death in 1756. He is buried in the Abbey and close to his grave is this memorial with a relief depicting the west towers and Great West Door, which were completed during his time as Dean. #31DaysOfGraves #Entrance

This is the tomb of Henry III, who lies buried in the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey The Purbeck marble tomb is decorated with slabs of purple and green antique porphyry and is inlaid with gilded Cosmati mosaic and pieces of coloured marble and glass #31DaysOfTombs #Glass

Every October, we celebrate Edward the Confessor, the king and saint whose shrine lies at the heart of the Abbey.  Join us for the annual pilgrimage to the shrine on Saturday 17 October, and for our services throughout Edwardtide: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times/edwardtide

Among the most remarkable memorials in the Abbey is the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which honours the fallen of the two world wars and conflicts since. The grave is surrounded by a border of poppies, a poignant symbol of remembrance. #31DaysOfGraves #Flower

For #Michaelmas - the feast of St Michael and All Angels - we wanted to share this censing angel on the wall of the Abbey's south transept. Carved in the 1250s, it was originally richly coloured and gilded and is among the most important examples of English medieval sculpture of its time.

We're celebrating the Feast of St Michael and All Angels at our services today. Everyone is welcome to join us for Sung Eucharist at 5:00pm (BST), whether in the Abbey or via our livestream: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-and-music/watch-services #Michaelmas

One of the most important books in our collection is the Litlyngton Missal, a 14th-century service book made for the Abbey's High Altar. The Latin manuscript contains the readings and prayers used at the celebration of the Mass, and a calendar of festivals and saints’ days. #ManuscriptMonday

'You are very welcome to our house' - Merchant of Venice (V, 1) #ShakespeareSunday

Ahead of #WorldTourismDay tomorrow, take a glimpse inside Westminster Abbey where a thousand years of history are waiting to be discovered... You can find out more and plan your visit at: www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us #WorldTourismDay2026

Everyone is welcome at the Abbey for our annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor on Saturday 17 October Celebrate the life of Edward, king and saint, with us:www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/edwardtide/2026/october/national-pilgrimage-to-the-shrine-of-edward-the-confessor

These 13th-century wall paintings of Christ with St Thomas and St Christopher were hidden for centuries behind two large monuments and rediscovered during cleaning in the 1930s. You can see them in the south transept when you visit us. #WallsOnWednesday

A sunny early autumn morning at the Abbey ☀️🍂

This window in the Abbey's Lady Chapel features symbols of peace including a dove, poppies and a lily. The window, a gift from LJ and Mary Skaggs, was dedicated in 1995. #InternationalDayOfPeace

‘But thy eternal summer shall not fade’ - Sonnet 18 Earlier today we honoured ‘The Few’ - the the airmen of the Battle of Britain who fought against extraordinary odds to defend the country from invasion in 1940 – at our annual Battle of Britain Sunday service. #ShakespeareSunday

Tomorrow we'll be holding our annual service of thanksgiving and rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday. We'll be streaming the service from 11:00am (BST), and you can watch live on or demand at: https://www.youtube.com/live/4hLGvK_AiiI?si=ISf6_voNwIl0rKCY

The State Funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was held here at the Abbey four years ago today, on 19 September 2022. ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’

Ahead of our annual Battle of Britain service on Sunday, we're looking back at the Abbey’s role in honouring 'The Few' – the pilots and aircrew who defended the country from invasion during the Second World War: www.westminster-abbey.org/history/explore-our-history/battle-of-britain-80th

This charter from our archive was issued by Henry III in 1246, expressing his wish to be buried next to Edward the Confessor's tomb in the Abbey. Henry’s orders did much to establish the Abbey as the final resting place of kings and queens of England for centuries to come. #ManuscriptMonday