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Contents
What comprises Westminster Abbey services
Westminster Abbey services are quite popular amongst people of faith, especially because of the cultural and historical importance of Westminster Abbey. If you are interested in attending services at Westminster Abbey, you may do so free of charge. Listed below are the different services at the abbey that you can attend:
- Evensong: It follows the traditional structure in The Book of Common Prayer and includes choral music from the Anglican musical tradition, like psalms, canticles, anthems, biblical readings, and prayers. It is held at 5pm from Monday to Saturday and at 3pm on Sundays.
- Morning Prayer: It is a short service that includes psalms, scripture readings, and prayers. On weekdays, it begins at 7:30am, and on Saturdays, at 8:40am. To attend the morning prayer, you will need to enter through the Great West Door.
- Holy Communion: This is a Word and Sacrament service in which the Holy Scriptures are read, prayers are offered, and bread and wine are received as Jesus Christ's flesh and blood. This service is held at 8am and 12:30pm on weekdays and at 8am on the weekend.
- Evening Prayer: Psalms, readings from Holy Scripture, and prayers are in this service, following the traditional form in The Book of Common Prayer at 5pm on Wednesdays.
- Sung Eucharist: The Holy Scriptures are read, a sermon is spoken, prayers are offered, and bread and wine are received as the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ at 11:15am on Sundays.
- Matins: Similar to the Evensong, Matins follows the pattern in The Book of Common Prayer and consists of choral music, scripture readings, and prayers every Sunday at 10am.
Other services at Westminster Abbey
People travel from all over the world to attend Westminster Abbey services. Here are some other services that you can attend at Westminster Abbey.
Choral services
Sung prayer has been offered almost daily at Westminster Abbey for around 1000 years. The Westminster Abbey Choir sings daily services, with visiting choirs filling in when the choir is on break. The music ranges from Gregorian chant from the first millennium to contemporary music.
Special services
Annual festivals, memorials, and remembrances are just a few special services at Westminster Abbey. Many are held on behalf of a national or international organization, the church, or the Royal Family. Check the church schedule to catch one of these beautiful special services.
Our Lady of Pew
At Our Lady of Pew, the abbey offers mass and retreats to honor the mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary. While it was a 14th-century self-contained recess chapel, today, the Chapel serves as the entrance to the Chapel of St John the Baptist, off the north ambulatory.
Organ recitals
Every Sunday at 5pm, Westminster Abbey hosts a free 30-minute organ recital featuring a diverse spectrum of music and the abbey's famous Harrison & Harrison organ. If purely religious services aren’t your cup of tea, this special event is made for you, but note that entry is limited.
Edwardtide
Catholics commemorate the life of St Edward the Confessor, King of England from 1042 to 1066 and the re-founder of Westminster Abbey, on Edwardtide. St Edward was canonized in 1161, and people still flock to his shrine to worship in October every year for a 5-day celebration.
Advent and Christmas
At Westminster Abbey, Christmas is a special time, accommodating as many worshippers as possible to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ every year. There are a variety of music and family events, and the abbey will be open to tourists for much of the Christmas season.
Lent & Easter
Westminster Abbey also conducts special services during the Lent season, especially in the Holy Week leading up to Easter. You can either read up on Reflections from the previous year or attend a service at the abbey, with special resources available for families and schools.
Streamed services
For those who cannot personally attend a service at Westminster Abbey, there are a series of services that you can watch live and on-demand via live stream. Make sure to check the abbey’s schedule for planned live streams that you can watch online on the abbey’s website.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey services
Do I need to pay to attend a service at Westminster Abbey?
No, you don’t have to pay to attend Westminster Abbey services.
Can I visit Westminster Abbey for private prayer?
You can go to Westminster Abbey for private prayer. This is free of charge as well.
What are the timings for Westminster Abbey services?
Westminster Abbey services begin in the morning and go on well into the evening. You can look at their schedules here.
Where do I enter Westminster Abbey for a service?
You can use the Great West Door to enter Westminster Abbey for the services.
Do I need to follow a dress code for attending Westminster Abbey services?
Yes, since Westminster Abbey is a religious institution, you need to dress in an attire that doesn’t reveal your shoulders and knees. You can be refused entry if your attire isn’t appropriate.
Can I speak to a chaplain at Westminster Abbey?
Yes, you can speak to a chaplain at the Abbey. However, this is subject to availability. You can approach an abbey marshal to help you.
Is Westminster Abbey a part of the Church of England?
Westminster Abbey is neither a parish church nor a cathedral. However, it still plays a significant role within the Church of England. It is instead called “Royal Peculiar”, a status given to the abbey during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Can I visit Westminster Abbey as a part of the clergy?
Yes, you can visit Westminster Abbey as a part of the clergy.
