What’s inside Westminster Abbey? Artifacts, monuments, and Gothic design

The Cloisters were once the busiest parts of the abbey, where the monks meditated and exercised. The current cloisters date from the 13th to 15th centuries; they were reconstructed after a fire in 1298. There is also a memorial fountain in the cloister garth which pays respects to Lancelot Capability Brown, an English landscape architect known as the last of the greats from the 18th century.

If the Cloisters were where the monks meditated, the Chapter House was where they gathered with the abbot to pray or ‘hold chapter’. The construction of the Chapter house was completed around 1255 as a part of Henry III’s rebuilding of the abbey. It is the largest of its kind and is octagonal-shaped with tiered seating for up to 80 monks. It has a central pillar that fans out to form a vaulted ceiling.

After Henry III’s death, the abbey’s reconstruction stopped mid-way and the old Norman nave remained attached. The reconstruction restarted in 1376 and took almost 150 years to complete. The new design closely resembled the old design, but the decoration wasn’t as lavish. It also holds graves and memorials of Charles Darwin, Sir Winston Churchill, and Stephen Hawking.

Westminster Abbey is home to many memorials. But there is also one dedicated site to victims of Nazism, religious prejudice, and communism in the 20th century. Each statue is carved from limestone, all of which sit atop the West door, a place that had remained empty since the Middle Ages. Unveiled in 1998, the statues include Dr Martin Luther King Jr, St Oscar Romero, and Manche Masemola.

One of the oldest surviving parts, the Pyx Chamber is a low vaulted room, part of the Undercroft. It lies off the East Cloister under the monks’ dormitory and gets its name from ‘Trial of Pyx’. It may have been used as a sacristy (storage for religious objects) during Henry III’s reign. Later, medieval chests for vestments and other important documents like treaties were stored here.

One of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world, the Coronation Chair sits in St George’s Chapel. Since 1308, the chair has been placed facing the High Altar for coronations. It encloses the Stone of Scone, upon which many Scottish monarchs sat for years. This chair was used for 38 coronations for reigning monarchs and 14 queen consorts who had separate coronation ceremonies.

Located 16 meters above the Floor, the Galleries allow you to see the Palace of Westminster and Chapter House on your way up. It holds some of the most prized possessions, including the Liber Regalis, a 14th-century guide to coronations and funerals, Henry VII's effigy head, the only thing surviving the King's funeral, the Royal Marriage License of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and more.

St Margaret's Church is a historic Anglican church known as the "parish church of the House of Commons," serving as a place of worship for over 500 years. Originally founded in the 12th century, the building dates back to the late 15th century, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles. The church has seen many events in British history, including the weddings of Sir Winston Churchill.