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Contents
Architecture and design of Westminster Abbey
Official Name: The Collegiate Church of St Peter
Function: Cathedral
Location: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Opened in: 1269
Area: 32,000 sq.ft
Architectural style: Gothic
Main Architects: John of Gloucester, Henry of Reyns, Robert of Beverley, and Ptolemy Dean (there are many more architects involved but these are the primary ones)
Who designed Westminster Abbey?
While many architects are involved in the abbey's construction, the following four are the primary ones who contributed to the making of Westminster Abbey:
John of Gloucester
Henry of Reyns
Robert of Beverley
Ptolemy Dean
John of Gloucester, a distinguished master mason, was instrumental in supervising Westminster Abbey's transformation under King Henry III in the 13th century. He skillfully integrated Gothic elements such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and flying buttresses, drawing inspiration from French cathedrals to shape the Abbey's iconic architectural style.
Henry of Reyns, a pivotal figure in the history of English architecture, was one of the master masons who oversaw the 13th-century reconstruction of Westminster Abbey during King Henry III's reign. Influenced by the High Gothic styles of Reims, Amiens, and Chartres, he significantly shaped Westminster Abbey's iconic Gothic design.
Robert of Beverley, the lead master mason, played a significant role in constructing Westminster Abbey. With prior experience from his work on the choir and the transept of Beverley Minster around 1260, he brought invaluable Gothic expertise to the Abbey. His contributions significantly shaped this iconic structure's architecture, enhancing its grandeur as a premier cultural landmark in England.
Ptolemy Dean, appointed as the Surveyor of the Fabric at Westminster Abbey in 2012, plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing this historic Gothic structure. Dean designed the Weston Tower, the Abbey's first significant architectural addition in over 270 years. This modern structure, blending "steampunk gothic" with traditional elements, facilitates access to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries and displays innovative adaptation within the Abbey's framework.
Stages of construction
The New Abbey Building
Early in his reign, in 1220, Henry III laid the foundation for a new Westminster Abbey but soon faced funding shortages that halted construction. Devoted to St. Edward the Confessor, he later resumed building in the grand Gothic style, employing master masons Henry of Reyns, John of Gloucester, and Robert of Beverley. Their work incorporated Gothic elements like pointed arches and flying buttresses while integrating distinctive English features such as single aisles and polished Purbeck marble columns.
The New Nave
Only one nave had been completed when Henry III died in 1272, and construction paused for nearly a century. Later, Abbot Nicholas Litlyngton resumed work on the western section of the nave, adhering to the original design for architectural unity, though with less elaborate details. The effort spanned 150 years, culminating with Abbot John Islip adding the Jesus chapel and completing the nave vaulting, though the upper sections of the west towers remained unfinished.
Henry V’s Chantry Chapel
Henry V was buried in St. Edward’s Chapel in 1422. A grand and sculptured chantry chapel was built over Henry V’s tomb, by his will. It has two turret staircases that lead to an altar above. Henry V’s Chantry Chapel was designed by John Thirske, who was probably the designer of the carved altar screen in the Confessor’s chapel which was also added during this period.
Look at What Else is Inside Westminster Abbey
The Lady Chapel
Built between 1503 and 1516, the Henry VII Chapel was paid for by the will of King Henry VII. The Henry VII Lady Chapel, also known as the Lady Chapel was the next big addition to the abbey. Historians believe that Robert Janyns and William Vertue were the architects of this beauteous building. The unique perpendicular architecture of the Lady Chapel sets it apart from the rest of the abbey. The chapel’s delicately carved fan-vaulted roof, high stained glass windows, and Tudor emblems such as the rose and portcullis add to the Lady Chapel’s splendor.
The West Towers
The last phase of the construction of the abbey was the completion of the West Towers in Portland stone in the year 1745. Nicholas Hawksmoor, the abbey’s surveyor, was the designer. However, the work was completed by his successor. Designs by multiple architects and surveyors were put forth for the construction of a central tower but this was never done. Two oil paintings depicting the proposed central tower can also be found in the Abbey’s collection.
Learn About Westminster Abbey's Bells
Newest Additions
Westminster Abbey is constantly getting updated with new additions. The newest addition is an exterior turret that includes an elevator and stairs. This turret was designed by Ptolemy Dean and is known as the Weston Tower - named after a donor. The turret is located near the Chapter House and allows access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. A new building - Abbey Welcome Center - is in the works to accommodate welcome, security, and ticketing facilities.
Westminster Abbey exterior
Exterior Restorations
The exterior of Westminster Abbey has undergone restoration and renovation multiple times in different types of stones over the years. The most recent restoration was carried out from 1973-1995. A time capsule was embedded in the south side of the Abbey in 1989 to mark the completion of that side of the church. It included details of the work, photos of the workmen, and coins.
Modern Martyrs
Statues of ten modern martyrs were erected above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey. The martyrs represent those who have been oppressed or persecuted for their faith and beliefs. The space above the Great West Door, where the statues now reside, had been lying empty since the Middle Ages. Carved from limestone, these statues were unveiled at a service attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the year 1998. The modern martyrs include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Lady Chapel Exterior
The Lady Chapel exterior was restored from 1808-1822. The name labels of the statues in the niches remained intact but the figures had disappeared or been removed during the time of the restoration. Out of the nine statues, the four Ketton stone statues in the western niches of the buttresses are older than the other five. The new statues were erected in the early 19th century. The figures represent kings, knights, and a lady.
More About Henry VII Lady Chapel
Chapter House
Octagonal in shape, the Chapter House features tiered seating for up to eighty monks and a central pillar that branches out to a marvelous vaulted ceiling. The construction of the Chapter house was completed around 1255 as a part of Henry III’s rebuilding of the abbey. The Abbey's Surveyor Sir George Gilbert Scott modified and reconstructed the stone vault and roof and re-instated and re-glazed the windows.
The North Door
The Great North Door features various sculptures. The figures depict Christ in Majesty blessing the Church and the World surrounded by Angels. Seated figures of the Apostles and figures in procession, representing professions like music, sculpture, history can be seen here. The central pillar at the north door features a striking sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a Crowned Christ in her arms.
Rose Window
The rose-shaped window, commonly filled with stained glass, is a prominent feature of Gothic architecture. Picturesque rose windows can be found in Westminster Abbey’s south and north transepts. The window in the south transept, designed by Sir James Thornhill, features 11 of the 12 apostles. Some of its dark glass was replaced with new glass in 1902. The north transept rose window was also designed by Thornhill and depicted Christ and the Apostles. However, the design and stonework of the window were altered in the 19th century by John L. Pearson.
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Frequently asked questions on Westminster Abbey architecture
When was Westminster Abbey constructed?
The construction of the church, as it stands today, was begun by Henry III in the year 1245.
What is the architectural style of Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is known for its sharp, Gothic architecture style.
Who is the architect of Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey was built, torn down, rebuilt, and upgraded many times by many architects since it was founded in the year 960. Its primary architects include John of Gloucester, Henry of Reyns, Robert of Beverley, and Ptolemy Dean.
How big is Westminster Abbey?
One of the most remarkable religious structures in the United Kingdom, Westminster Abbey occupies an area of 32,000 square feet.
How old is Westminster Abbey?
The earliest records of the Abbey date back to the 960s, making it over a 1000 years old.
What materials were used in Westminster Abbey’s construction?
The prime building materials used are Caen stone, Portland stone, and Tuffeau limestone sourced from the Loire Valley.
Where can I buy tickets to Westminster Abbey?
Online tickets to Westminster Abbey are available here. We suggest that you pre-book your Westminster Abbey tickets to ensure your entry into the abbey.
