One of Britain's finest Gothic buildings, an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British History – the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. However the Abbey is also known for more sombre occasions - the funerals of Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother took place here. The view of the West Front of Westminster Abbey is  one  of  the

best known in the world. The gothic lower part was completed in the fifteenth century; the towers, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in a more classical style, were added at the beginning of the eighteenth century.

The 'Service of Light' on New Millennium Eve saw the inauguration of the Abbey's spectacular new lighting system.

For further information contact:
www.westminster-abbey.org