The Westminster Abbey Museum is located in the 11th-century vaulted undercroft beneath the former monks’ dormitory in Westminster Abbey, London, England. This is one of the oldest areas of the Abbey, dating back almost to the foundation of the Norman church by Edward the Confessor in 1065. This space has been used as a museum since 1908.
The exhibits include a unique collection of royal and other funeral effigies (funeral saddle, helm and shield of Henry V), together with other treasures, including some panels of medieval glass, 12th-century sculpture fragments, Mary II’s coronation chair and replicas of the coronation regalia. There also are effigies of Edward III, Henry VII and his queen, Elizabeth I, Charles II, William III, Mary II and Queen Anne.
Later wax effigies include a likeness of Horatio, Viscount Nelson, wearing some of his own clothes and another of Prime Minister William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, modelled by the American-born sculptor Patience Wright. During recent conservation of Elizabeth I’s effigy a unique corset dating from 1603 was found on the figure and is now displayed separately.
A recent addition to the display is the late 13th-century Westminster Retable, England’s oldest altarpiece, which was most probably designed for the High Altar of the Abbey. Although damaged in past centuries, the panel has been expertly cleaned and conserved.
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Listing Details
- Address: 20 Deans Yd, London,SW1P 3PA,United Kingdom
- Phone: 020 7222 5152
- Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/
- Email: info@westminster-abbey.org
- Get there by bus: 11, 24, 148, 211, N2, N11, N44, N136
- Get there by tube/train: St James's Park, Westminster
- Wheelchair access: Yes
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Additional information:
Some areas of the Abbey are unavoidably inaccessible to people permanently confined to wheelchairs. Therefore, we offer free admission to such visitors and their carers. Visitors should enter via the North Door, where there is a small ramped step.
We have our own wheelchairs that are freely available to use. Speak to a Marshal on your arrival and they will arrange it. If you prefer to use your own wheelchair, you will have access to most areas of the Abbey. A stair climber is available which can be used with an electric wheelchair for access to the Henry VII Chapel.
For those who have difficulty getting up the stairs and spiral staircase to our Library, we can make documents available by appointment at Westminster City Archive Centre in St Ann's Street, where access is very easy. Contact the Library at library@westminster-abbey.org for further advice.
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