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Contents
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 Englans were buried at this iconic church. Henry III, who built the church as we know today, is also buried here near Edward the Confessor.
Learn About Westminster Abbey's HistoryWho is Buried at Westminster Abbey?
There are over 3000 people buried at Westminster Abbey, which includes 30 kings and queens of England and hundreds of influential figures from various disciplines.
King Henry III
Henry III was the King of England 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 of the church, which was also the resting place of Edward the Confessor. In 1290, his son Edward moved his body to its current location in the church 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 English monarchy following the civil war. He is buried next to his wife, Elizabeth, in the Henry VII Chapel that he commissioned in Westminster Abbey.
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.
Sir Isaac Newton
A leading figure in science, mathematics, and astronomy, Newton is one of the most well-known individuals across the world. Newton passed away in 1727 at Kensington and is buried at Westminster Abbey. 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 at Westminster Abbey in 2018, next to the tombs of Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. Hawking’s gravestone depicts a series of rings that swirl around a dark eclipse, reflecting his pioneering 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Westminster Abbey Burials and Tombs
Who is buried at Westminster Abbey?
Apart from being the final resting place for 30 kings and queens of Britain, Westminster Abbey is also the burial place for other famous figures like Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Charles Darwin and many other prominent people of the past.
How many people are buried at Westminster abbey?
There are over 3300 tombs at Westminster Abbey.
Is Queen Elizabeth I buried at Westminster abbey?
Yes, Queen Elizabeth I is buried at Westminster Abbey.
Where is Isaac Newton buried in Westminster Abbey?
Sir Isaac Newton is buried in the Scientists' Corner in the Abbey, an area dedicated to some of Britain's most illustrious scientists.
Who was the last person buried at Westminster Abbey?
The most recent burial was that of Stephen Hawking, whose ashes were interred in 2018 near the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
What is the oldest tomb in Westminster Abbey?
The oldest tomb is that of Edward the Confessor, reinterred in a shrine behind the High Altar in 1163.
Can I visit the burials and tombs at Westminster abbey?
Yes, you can visit the tombs and burials at Westminster Abbey.
Is photography allowed inside the tombs and burial areas?
To maintain respect and decorum, photography is generally not allowed within the Abbey, especially in the tombs and burial areas.
Where can I buy tickets to visit the burials and tombs at Westminster abbey?
Online tickets to visit Westminster Abbey tombs and burials can be purchased here.
