Westminster Abbey Tombs | Explore Royal Burials & Famous Figures

It is not just the question of who is buried at Westminster Abbey, but also about how many are. Not only is Westminster Abbey one of the most prominent religious monuments in the UK, but also the final resting place for thousands of influential figures ranging from poets, scientists, politicians, and monarchs. Some of the famous tombs at the church include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Edward V. As you visit these tombs and memorials, you can get a true sense of history at Westminster Abbey.

Royal tombs

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 30 kings and queens. The first king to be buried at Westminster Abbey was Edward the Confessor in the year 1066. Until George II of England in 1760, most Kings and Queens of England were buried at this iconic church. Henry III, who built the church as we know it today, is also buried here near Edward the Confessor.

King Henry III

Henry III ruled for 56 years, from 1216 to 1272. He built Westminster Abbey in the second half of his reign and was buried in front of the High Altar. In 1290, his son Edward moved his body to its current location with a gilt brass tomb effigy made by William Torell.

King Henry V

Famous for his outstanding military successes in the Hundred Years’ War against France, Henry V was the King of England for just 9 years. He was buried in Westminster Abbey in 1422 and his infant son Henry VI took the throne.

King Henry VII

Henry VII was the first monarch of the House of Tudor and ruled for 24 years. He restored power and stability to the monarchy following the Civil War. He is buried next to his wife, Elizabeth, in the Henry VII Chapel that he commissioned.

Queen Elizabeth I

The daughter of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, her reign was known as the Elizabethan era, famous for being the golden age of drama, poetry, and music. She reigned for 44 years and shares her grave with her half-sister, Mary I.

Westminster Abbey history

Who else is buried at Westminster Abbey

There are over 3000 people buried at Westminster Abbey, which includes hundreds of influential figures from various disciplines.

Sir Isaac Newton

A leading figure in science, mathematics, and astronomy, Newton passed away in 1727 at Kensington. Newton’s monument at Westminster is made of white and grey marble, depicting objects from his optic and mathematical work.

Stephen Hawking

An eminent astrophysicist, mathematician, and author, Professor Stephen Hawking was buried in 2018, next to Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. His gravestone depicts a series of rings that swirl around a dark eclipse, reflecting his work on black holes.

Charles Darwin

Renowned for his science on evolution and his work on scientific literature, On the Origin of Species where he introduced the concept of natural selection, Charles Darwin was a geologist and biologist and is also buried at Westminster Abbey.

The Unknown Warrior

Representing the thousands of soldiers who died during World War I, the Unknown Warrior is the burial of an unidentified British soldier who was killed in the war. As a sign of respect, this is the only tomb that guests are not allowed to walk into.

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Westminster Abbey Poets’ Corner

Some other famous figures are also buried at Westminster Abbey. Here are a few of them:

Laurence Olivier, one of the greatest directors in history, whose work dominated the British stage in the 20th century.
George Freric Handel, one of Britain’s greatest Baroque composers.
David Livingstone, a writer, explorer, physician, and missionary, who is famous for his exploration of Africa and for discovering the source of the Nile.
Rudyard Kipling, known for The Jungle Book and his short story collections of Kim and Just So Stories for Little Children.
Charles Dickens, a renowned British author with books such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, *and A Christmas Carol* to his name.