Royal tombs (Westminster Abbey)

HISTORY

Royal tombs

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 30 kings and queens starting with King Edward the Confessor whose magnificent shrine stands just behind the High Altar. Henry III, who built the church you see today, is buried near him.

Tomb of St Edward the Confessor

Effigy of Henry III

The tombs of Edward I, Eleanor of Castile, Edward III, Philippa of Hainault, Richard II and Anne of Bohemia are all in St Edward the Confessor's chapel. When Henry V died in 1422 he was buried near to the Saint and above his tomb was built a chantry chapel in which Holy Communion is still celebrated every year on 25th October, St Crispin’s Day, the anniversary of his famous battle at Agincourt. His queen Katherine of Valois is buried in the chantry.

From 1503 Henry VII  lavished huge sums on a new Lady chapel, just east of Henry V's chantry. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary it is the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture. Its spectacular fan vaulted ceiling and the King's imposing tomb, with gilt bronze effigies of him and his queen Elizabeth of York, continue to inspire awe and wonder 500 years on. James I is buried in Henry VII's vault (under the tomb) but has no monument and his queen Anne of Denmark lies nearby.

In this chapel’s north aisle the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I is buried with her half-sister the Catholic Queen Mary I in an imposing tomb. On the floor beside their tomb is the inscription:

"Remember before God all those who divided at the Reformation by different convictions laid down their lives for Christ and conscience sake."

Due to lack of space no monuments could be erected for Charles II, Queen Anne, Queen Mary II  or her husband King William III. They are all buried in a vault in the south aisle with just simple inscriptions on small stones. The tomb of Mary Queen of Scots  is also in this aisle. Boy king Edward VI  lies just in front of the altar. George II  was the last monarch to be buried in the Abbey, in a vault under the central aisle of this chapel, with his queen Caroline.

The Lady Chapel

Further reading

Visit our Royalty page to see a full list of Royal tombs at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey: The Lady Chapel of Henry VII [for tombs in this chapel], edited by T. Tatton-Brown & R. Mortimer, 2003

Royal tombs of Medieval England by Mark Duffy, 2003

When were were in England a couple of weeks ago I made a point to take Tony to Westminster Abbey. Not only for its incredible architecture, and Royal tombs but the fact it was built in 1066 and still standing today still leaves me awestruck. It has been the setting for 17 royal weddings, hundreds of burials and every coronation in British history. We made a point take a picture of the coronation chair, most “ recently” used for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. From that point on, her service and resolute sense of service carried the country for 7 decades. She said at the age of 21 “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”.

Whether you are for or against a monarchy, it’s hard to deny her dedication to her job and country. She showed strength, courage without ever complaining or victimizing her self. All my life, all I’ve ever known is to have a Queen. You couldn’t walk past a news stand with out Royal news of some sort, you see her on every bank note, and of course you watch her speech every Christmas Day. Even living in the US it’s something I like to watch online to keep up with a tradition I grew up with. Standing in Westminster abbey, although inevitable, I never would have thought that only a few weeks later it would be the setting for her funeral and that chair would be the seat for the new king of England.
Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth. You’re with Philip, your “strength and stay” now.