Westminster Abbey Poets’ Corner | A Tribute to Literature
Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner is a tribute to the power of words. These writers and poets have each left their mark on history, and their works continue to inspire people all over the world. It is a place where visitors can come to learn more about these literary giants and appreciate their contributions to society.
Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner
The Poets' Corner is one of Westminster Abbey's most iconic features. It was originally established in the year 1400 as the burial place for Geoffrey Chaucer but has since been expanded to include other famous authors. Today, there are more than 100 writers and poets who have been commemorated here.
Poets' Corner is in the eastern aisle of the south transept and was initially a 'corner' itself. Over time, the different burials and memorials spread across the entire transept. Apart from authors and poets, some actors and clergymen are also buried here, along with the musician, George Frederic Handel.
When someone is to be buried or memorialized here, it is the Deans of Westminster Abbey who make the call. They do, however, consult widely before providing a space based on merit.
History of Poets' Corner
Westminster Abbey has a long history of being the final resting place for many famous authors and poets. The most notable example is Geoffrey Chaucer, who was buried there in 1400. However, his tomb was eventually moved to make way for other burials and he was instead interred in a side chapel.
Geoffrey Chaucer was the author of The Canterbury Tales. However, when he asked to be buried here, it was for his role as the Clerk of the King's Works. About 200 years later, the writer of The Faerie Queen, Edmund Spenser requested that he be buried near Chaucer, probably because of his literary works. This marked the beginning of a tradition that is today known as Poets' Corner.
Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner Memorial Types
Authors and poets have been memorialized in different ways at the Poets' Corner. From stone slabs with names and inscriptions to elaborate stone carvings, Westminster Abbey makes sure that every literary icon here is remembered in a fitting way.
Here are some of the famous names under each memorial type.
Burial
- Francis Beaumont
- Charles Dickens
- George Frideric Handel
- Thomas Hardy
- Rudyard Kipling
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Floor Stone
- W. H. Auden
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- Lewis Carroll
- T. S. Eliot
- Henry James
Memorial Bust
- Matthew Arnold
- William Blake
- Robert Burns
- Samuel Butler
- Adam Lindsay Gordon
Monument
- Michael Drayton
- John Campbell
- William Shakespeare
- William Wordsworth
- Isaac Watts
Visiting Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner
While you can get free entry to attend any of the abbey's services, to be able to explore the abbey, you will need to buy tickets. We suggest that you pre-book your tickets online before your visit to make sure that you get entry into the abbey. It is also possible that some parts of the abbey may be closed off on certain days due to some occasions. Instead, plan ahead and book your tickets in advance to make the best of your visit to Westminster Abbey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner
A. Westminster Abbey follows a lovely tradition of commemorating some of the most famous authors, poets and other artists in a dedicated section within the abbey called Poets' Corner.
A. When Edmund Spenser requested to be buried next to Geoffrey Chaucer, it marked the beginning of a tradition of Poets' Corner where many other poets, authors and other artists were buried or commemorated here with memorials, busts, floor stones, and many more.
A. Yes, you may visit the Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey. You will have to book tickets to Westminster Abbey, which you can easily book online here.
A. Rudyard Kipling, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens and George Frideric Handel are some of the literature legends who are buried at Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner.
A. Apart from burials and tombs, the Poets' Corner also includes memorial busts, monuments, floor stones, wall stones, panels, and much more.
