Westminster Abbey

London Church, World Cultural Heritage
Collection
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synonym Westminster Abbey (Westminster Abbey) generally refers to Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, commonly known as Westminster Abbey, is located in London the Thames The north bank was originally a Catholicism Benedictine Church Cloister It was built in 960 AD, expanded in 1045, completed in 1065, and rebuilt from 1220 to 1517.
Westminster Abbey was founded by the King in 1540 Episcopal Church Previously, it had been a Catholic Benedictine church (one of the Catholic monasteries). After 1540, it became the Episcopal Church.
In 1987, according to the criteria of cultural heritage selection (i) (ii) (iv), Westminster Abbey (also translated as Westminster Abbey) and The palace of Westminster and St. Margaret's Church Be together UNESCO World Heritage Committee Approved as cultural heritage Included《 World Heritage List 》。 [1-2]
Chinese name
Westminster Abbey
Foreign name
Westminster Abbey
geographical position
britain River Thames Bank Westminster District Council Square
Category
Church, museum
Opening Hours
9:00-16:45
Ticket Price
18 pounds
Alias
Westminster Abbey
Official name
Saint Peter's Union Church
architectural style
gothic
Commencement date
960
Best Travel Season
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended travel time
2 hours

Basic information

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Westminster Abbey [4]
Heritage name: Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church
Selected time: 1987 (2008 Modification scope
Selection basis: cultural heritage (i) (ii) (iv)
geographical position :N51 29 59 W00 07 43
Heritage area: 10.26 ha
Heritage No.: 426

Heritage description

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Geographical Location of UK World Heritage Site
Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church Located at britain capital London the Thames The bank is the largest in the world Gothic architecture Westminster Abbey was originally a Catholic Benedictine church Cloister It was built in 960 AD, expanded in 1045, completed in 1065, and rebuilt from 1220 to 1517. It can be said that it is the highest church in Britain. In addition to members of the royal family, great figures in many fields of Britain are also buried here. Westminster Abbey is neither Diocese The main church of imam Its laws and regulations are decided by the royal family. although plan It indicates that the entrance is on the left in front of the church. In fact, it is located in the north of the side of the church Transept If you look at Westminster Abbey from this angle, you can see the The palace of Westminster and Big Ben To the north of Westminster Abbey is St Margaret's Church. Westminster Temple is totally self funded, and there is no royal family Anglican Church Or national Financial appropriation And totally depends on ticket income and donation. The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, commonly known as Westminster Abbey (meaning Westminster Abbey), is a large church with Gothic architectural style British monarch (From England , Britain to Commonwealth The place of burial or coronation. It briefly became Cathedral [3]
In 1987, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church were selected according to the criteria of cultural heritage selection (i) (ii) (iv) UNESCO World Heritage Committee Approved as cultural heritage Included《 World Heritage List 》。
Selection criteria (i): Westminster Abbey is a unique art building, representing Britain Gothic art The amazing sequence of stages.
Selection criteria (ii): except the medieval times In addition to its influence on British architecture, Westminster Abbey also played another leading role, which influenced the Charles Barry Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin.
Selection criteria (iv): Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace and St. Margaret's Church illustrate in a concrete way the Parliamentary monarchy The particularity of. Whether it's a royal mausoleum, a church, Westminster Hall The House of Lords or House of Commons The extraordinary vastness of, art everywhere, harmonious coexistence, become a real Britain history museum

Social evaluation

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The Palace of Westminster, rebuilt in 1840 on the site of the important medieval ruins, is a typical example of neo Gothic architecture. It also includes St. Margaret's Church This is a small right angle gothic style A medieval church. Westminster Abbey has important historical significance and symbolic meaning Since the 11th century, kings of all dynasties have held coronation ceremonies here. [1-2]

historical origin

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Westminster Its original meaning is the Western Cathedral. Because this church London The west of the city gets this name. There was a church that had stood for a long time since Sebert, the king of the East Saxon, built it in the 7th century AD. Westminster Abbey is on the current site of Westminster Abbey in London. At that time, it should have been built on Tony Island. The island has disappeared because the Thames When the road narrows, it merges with the land. The building of this church seems to follow St Peter It is said that he appeared at the canonization ceremony led by the first bishop Melitus. From the painting of Bayer (colorful woven fresco with wide view, vividly and detailedly recorded Norman in the 11th century William the Conqueror Encroachment England Process. Legend has it that Queen William Matilda (1152 people and 72 scenes in the painting) Transept and Lead plate roof.
Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor (who reigned from 1042 to 1066) and was unable to attend the canonization ceremony of Westminster Abbey due to illness Harold II , became the last Saxon king), and was canonized in 1065. Henry III In memory of Edward, I vowed to build a gothic The more dignified church left little of the original structure. From the 13th century to the 16th century, the kings of England contributed to its design, which turned it into a hodgepodge of various styles. In this way, it is different from today's British royal family They are also from a large number of different origins, and Westminster Abbey has long been regarded as the "parish house" to hold weddings, funerals and coronations.
Westminster Abbey is neither Diocese The main church of is not the church in the parish, but the church exclusive to the royal family as people know. The bishop who exercises management and its regulations are decided by the royal family. Although the ground plan indicates that the entrance is on the left side in front of the church, it is actually located in the north transept on the side of the church. King Edward the Confessor Leo IX At Westminster Abbey St Peter
come from French Normandy Of William I (Conqueror) , the first king to be crowned in Westminster Abbey. after Battle of Hastings He defeated King Harold II of England. His coronation was held on Christmas Day in 1066, England Local residents gathered in front of the gate to celebrate. Nervous Normans misunderstood the scene, and William was terrified of death during the whole ceremony. At the end of the coronation, Norman soldiers attacked the crowd and burned some of the surrounding houses. Such a move has certainly not improved the precarious relationship between Britain and France.
 Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Since then, the coronation of the royal family has been held in Westminster Abbey, including Queen Elizabeth In addition to Edward V and edward viii All of you were crowned and enthroned in Westminster Abbey. Even after a hundred years, they will always sleep in the temple.
In the first half of the 18th century, the British architect Nicholas Hoxmore built the twin towers at the west end of the church. Since 1875, the front of the church has been renovated by the British architect George Gilbert Scott, the leader of the Gothic Revival Architectural Style Movement. This person indulges in Gothic architecture When architects of the style undertook the restoration work, they often caused controversy by arrogantly destroying many exquisite non Gothic works.
Witnessed Newton Funeral Voltaire I was deeply shocked. He once sighed: "When entering Westminster Abbey, what people look up to is not the mausoleum of kings, but the monument of the country to thank the greatest people who honor the country. This is the British people's respect for talent."

Structure layout

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Inside the church

There are many other images in the church Henry VII church Such a building dedicated to the dead monarch cannot help but marvel at the unique cave in Westminster Abbey. For example, St. Edward's Chapel at the east end of the altar, the Edward Temple tomb in the center of which was built in 1269, is a pilgrimage place for pilgrims around the world. There are also Henry III And other king's temples and tombs, forming a sculpture museum of all ages, especially at the eastern end Henry V The tomb hall is also famous for its beautiful carvings. The original intention of building Westminster Abbey is not to do King of England In fact, from Henry III to george ii More than 20 kings were buried here. On the west side of St. Edward's Chapel is the famous Edward I's coronation throne, which sits on the high platform in front of the altar. Under the throne is a sacred stone called "Skoon". It was the traditional coronation seat of the Scottish king and a symbol of his power. In 1297, Edward I brought it to London.
The pointed back chair in front of the altar in the church was used by emperors of all dynasties when they were crowned. It is said that it is an antique that has been used since 700 years ago. There is a big stone under the chair seat, which is called“ Stone of Destiny ”(Scone), it is Edward I Looted in the 13th century. It turned out that this was used by the King of Scotland to ascend the throne. It is said that there are still people in Scotland who want to take this stone back. In 1996, this Scottish treasure returned to its hometown.
In the church, there is a special small church It's special because of this Chapel Not for the monarch, but for those who bravely go to the national disaster - sacrifice“ Battle of Britain ”(the battle between the British and German air forces in the autumn of 1940). The stained glass of the small auditorium is painted with 68 air force squadrons emblem of the Young Pioneers This has injected a vigorous and solemn spirit into the eyeful of royal luxury.

South side of the church

The south side of the church is the Catholic Benedictine monastery, which was founded in the 13th century. It is a square courtyard with open surroundings Arcade There are many ancillary buildings around the arcade. In addition, there are treasure hall and underground on the southeast side of the monastery courtyard Chapel The latter is a rectangular hall, which is now a temple museum, where the king, queen and noble Statues placed in uncovered coffins for people to pay homage to at funerals. These statues are all molded according to the faces after death, and their shapes are real and vivid. Among them edward iii (1312-1377) vice admiral of the navy Nelson The statue of the viscount is the most exquisite, which is known as the "incarnation of ocean authority" British history The most outstanding naval commander in Shanghai was defeated in a naval battle Napoleon , resulting in the latter Waterloo The failure of. The colonnade of Westminster Abbey is magnificent and dignified, the arch is beautifully carved, the screen decoration is exquisite, the glass color is gorgeous, and the twin towers are lofty. The whole building is magnificent, quiet and solemn, and is considered to be a masterpiece of British Gothic architecture.

East side of the church

The eastern end of the church, the end of the central axis of the church, was originally the Church of the Virgin, which was later destroyed. At the beginning of the 16th century, a larger chapel was built on this site (1503-1519, or 1502-1512), that is, the famous Henry VII Chapel, which is the most outstanding representative work of British medieval architecture, was designed by Robert Waldo. The chapel itself is a small church, with an independent church and side aisles on both sides. The mausoleum is located at one end. Its huge fan shaped pendant and glittering and beautiful Stalactite The vault is boldly designed and ingeniously conceived, arch rib The unique pattern is the highlight of the whole building. Indoor wall covered niche There are 95 statues in the niche. This chapel is richly decorated and considered as "the most beautiful place in all Christian countries".

Overall appearance

Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is mainly composed of church and monastery. The plane of the church is Latin cross The main part is 156 meters long. There is a side gallery on both sides of the hall, which is equipped with a spacious gallery. The hall is only 11.6 meters wide, but the upper vault is 31 meters high, which is the highest height of the British Gothic vault, so the overall proportion of the hall is narrow and tall, towering and straight. The transept has a total length of 62 meters. The four piers at the intersection with the transept are very large, which are used to support the upper dome. To the west of the dome is the seat of the choir, and to the east is the altar. The twin towers in the west of the church (1735-1740) are 68.6 meters high. The flying arch, which balances the horizontal thrust of the vault of the hall, spans the side gallery and the cloister, forming a complex support system.

architectural style

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monument
The magnificent Westminster Abbey is a holy place in England. It has a prominent position among many churches in England, and can be said to be the highest church in England. In addition to members of the royal family, great figures in many fields of Britain are also buried here. The British therefore call Westminster Abbey "the pinnacle of honor", and believe that it is a supreme honor to occupy a place here after death. The famous "Poet's Corner" is located in the south corridor of the church center. Many famous poets and novelists sleep here. For example, the "Sage of Poetry" in England in the 14th century Chaucer , was buried here. There is also a special "memorial window" around the mausoleum, on which his masterpiece is depicted《 Canterbury Tales 》The scene in. Accompanied by his long sleep Tennyson and Browning They are both famous poets. Hardy, the famous novelist, and 1907 The Nobel Prize in Literature Winner Kipling Also buried here. The famous German composers are buried side by side in the center of the "Poet's Corner" Handel And the most outstanding Realism writer Dickens There are also some writers who are buried elsewhere after their death, but they still erect steles for them here, such as the famous《 Paradise Lost 》Author of Milton and Scotland poet Burns , enjoying the glory.
In the north corridor of the church, there are also many monuments of musicians and scientists. The most famous one is Newton , he is Human history First obtained state funeral Of natural scientist His cemetery is located in the center of the front hall of Westminster Abbey. Above the cemetery stands a statue of Newton, and beside it is a huge earth shape to commemorate his scientific achievements. In addition, the founder and biologist of evolutionary culture Darwin Many scientists, including the discoverer of Uranus and astronomer Herschel, were buried here. Those who have made outstanding contributions in the field of physics and chemistry Faraday After his death, he had the chance to be buried in Westminster Abbey, but his religion was not the state religion that dominated England at that time Episcopal Church Westminster Abbey is the royal church of the Episcopal Church, so it refused to accept his treat in the church.
 Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Shelley and Byron These two world-famous poets were also rejected by the church because of their shocking words and deeds. In Westminster Abbey, there are also famous British politicians Churchill Chamberlain And the remains of many famous people. Later, due to the limited space, the tombs of some great people were moved to St. Paul's Cathedral. In addition, twice World War The rosters of the British soldiers who died in the war are also kept in the church. In the middle of the church courtyard, there is also the Tomb of the Unknown Martyrs for people to stop here and pay tribute. This ancient church has a magnificent structure and splendid decoration. Its appearance is built in Latin style cross The main gate of the church faces west and consists of two square towers with a whole stone structure, which were designed by students of Raine, the designer of St. Paul's Church, in the 18th century. The twin towers stand majestically. The main part of the church is 156 meters long and 22 meters wide. There is one on both sides of the hall Side gallery , there is a spacious gallery above. The hall is 11.6 meters wide, and the upper vault is 31 meters high. It is the highest Gothic vault in Britain. This structure shows that the hall is tall, tall, tall and towering. The transept has a total length of 62 meters, and there are four large Column pier To support the upper dome. To the west of the dome is choir To the east is the altar. The clock tower is 68.5 meters high and magnificent. The whole building is classic and solemn, tall and simple, and the arched stone carvings are exquisite and meticulous, with tall and straight columns pointing directly into the sky. At the top of the church stands Stained glass The inlaid spire, towering towards the sky, is as exquisite as sculpture. Looking up, there will be a mysterious and mysterious feeling as high as heaven. The high windows around the church are decorated with colorful colored glass. They add a bit of elegance and magnificence to the solemnity of the church with gray as its main tone. Westminster colonnade It is magnificent and dignified, the arch is beautifully carved, the screen decoration is exquisite, the glass color is gorgeous, and the twin towers are towering. The whole building is magnificent, quiet and solemn. Its exquisite luxury and magnificence are the crown of English churches, and it is worthy of being a masterpiece of British Gothic architecture.
structure
Westminster Abbey is made of stone, mainly composed of the church and Monastery It consists of two major parts. It is composed of the temple, wing gallery, bell tower, etc. Enter the arch dome of the church, walk through the solemn but somewhat dark passageway, and suddenly a bright light comes into the luxurious and gorgeous inner hall. The wide, high and complicated dome in the church is decorated beautifully, and the large chandeliers hanging from the dome are gorgeous and colorful. The luxurious red carpet on the ground leads to the golden altar covered with bright red velvet, which is the holding of the royal family coronation And the royal wedding. Behind the altar is a luxurious tomb of up to three floors - the tomb of Edward. In front of the altar, there is a sharp blue chair. It is the throne that emperors of all dynasties sat on when they were crowned. It is said that it is an antique that has been used for more than 700 years. Under the throne is a sacred stone from Scotland called Skoun. Both the throne and the sacred stone are the treasures of Britain.
collection
There are also a large number of collections in Westminster Abbey, including coronation articles, medals and other celebration articles. There are also materials about history, art, science and other aspects collected by the British court. For example, since 1500 Dramatic Of History All are saved here. People are admiring Westminster Abbey architectural art At the same time, we can also learn about the history of Britain.
church
There are many chapels in Westminster Abbey. In addition to the huge Catholic church hall, there is another chapel behind the altar Notre Dame Church , called Henry VII Chapel This is the most precious treasure in the church. It's the 16th century the tudors Founder of Henry VII It has been nearly 10 years since the construction was ordered. The decoration of the chapel is extremely gorgeous and fine, and it is an outstanding representative of the late British Gothic decorative style. Chapel fan-shaped Circular arch The roof is made of pure white stone and decorated with medieval times Knight's Medal A colorful flag with patterns. The large area of stained glass windows around make people hardly feel the existence of the wall, and the brilliant colors are dazzling. In the hall Arches The ribs of the coupons are densely carved and meticulously carved. The vault overhangs many funnel-shaped decorations, which are extremely exquisite, like a fairy tale fairyland. The beauty is peerless, and all the viewers are amazed. Behind Henry VII's Chapel is the Royal Air Force Chapel. The most prominent view is the surrounding stained glass windows, which are inlaid with all the Battle Of Britain Meritorious Flight Squadron The badge of.

Architectural features

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Westminster Abbey
As UK Medieval architecture The main representative of Westminster Abbey architectural style And characteristics, although they have been constantly changing in the era of marathon construction, from Norman and Gothic to early The Renaissance However, its basic feature is still Gothic, so after 700 years of repair, it still remains the same, thanks to architects like Scott.
Church architecture Gothic, several Stained glass The inlaid spires are juxtaposed together, making them unique and moving. There is also a crowded cemetery in the middle of the church, where many great people are buried. Due to the large number of people, the coffin had to be stopped, erected and buried underground. Finally, there was no place to put a pin, and the great people began to transfer to St. Paul's Church.
The pointed back chair in front of the altar was used by emperors of all dynasties when they were crowned. It is said that it is an antique that has been used since 700 years ago. There is a big stone under the chair seat, which is called“ Stone of Destiny ”(Scone), it is Edward I Looted in the 13th century. it turns out to be the case that Scotland It is said that there are still people in Scotland who want to take the stone back.
Westminster Abbey
In the innermost Henry VII Chapel The tragic Queen Mary and Tower of London Slain young Edward V And his brother's grave. The original meaning of Westminster is the Western Cathedral. This church got its name because it was located in the west of London 100 years ago. There was a church here as early as the 8th century, but it was only after King Edward the Confessor established this church that this area became a distinguished area.
Only a few days after the completion of this church, the king of repentance died, and there was no heir to the throne. At a time when the royal relatives and relatives were quarrelling about this, the Normans William He came from France and suppressed and conquered England. But how can we show the public that we are the legitimate successor of King Edward? Finally, he decided to hold a grand ceremony to ascend the throne in the church built by King Edward. So in 1066, William ascended the British throne here. Since then, 40 emperors have ascended the throne here.

Humanistic significance

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In churches or buildings with special commemorative significance, Metropolitan has set aside a place for outstanding people. Just as French celebrities are buried in The Pantheon British celebrities were lucky to enter Westminster Abbey behind them. They were either buried in the church or built a monument here. Here are the cemeteries of some famous politicians, scientists, militarists and writers, including Churchill Newton Darwin Dickens Browning Hawking Tomb of others. Southern wing of transept“ Poet's Corner ”It is the gathering place of poets and writers' tombs. There is also the famous Tomb of Unknown Soldier in World War I (1920). Therefore, there are many cemeteries and monuments here, which can be called the famous British museum of historical relics. Moreover, these tombs and monuments also have a wonderful architectural function: effectively avoiding churches Central axis The sense of boredom that may arise from the extraordinary depth of the upper atmosphere.
Westminster Abbey is the place where kings of all dynasties were crowned to the throne and held wedding ceremonies. It is also the site of British royal tombs. It can be said that Westminster Abbey is a British royal family Stone history books.

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Washington Irving Westminster Cathedral, depicted two hundred years ago, may initially be in the wilderness. Today, the Cathedral is located in London In the bustling downtown center, there are only more than ten green trees around, the modern atmosphere and reading first major translator of Western fiction and one of the last important prose writers in the classical style The feeling of translation is far from the same. Westminster is not like Canterbury Cathedral There are green trees, but there are green trees nearby St. James Park And resplendent Buckingham Palace
The cathedral adjoins the magnificent Parliament Building And the big Ben clock tower in the towering blue sky. The 14 ton Hong Zhong in the clock tower makes a deep sound radio Spread all over the world. the Thames It slowly flows through Westminster, protecting the souls of 4000 sages in the cathedral who are buried underground. Every day, believers and tourists from all over the world come to visit the cathedral; At weekends and holidays, tourists waiting to visit outside the gate line up. People come here in an endless stream to pay homage to the remains of our ancestors, watch the magnificent royal church, and feel the splendid history and culture of Britain.
Westminster Abbey is one of the most magnificent churches in the world. Its appearance is grand and dignified, its decoration is beautiful and exquisite, and the whole building is resplendent, quiet and solemn. It is considered as Britain Gothic architecture A masterpiece in. It witnessed the millennium vicissitudes of the Thames River, triggered people's infinite feelings for the ancient heroes, and triggered tourists' nostalgia for the ancient times. It is not only the best Gothic architecture in Britain, but also a rare historical museum.