Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, formally the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London. Since 1066 it has been the site of 40 coronations of English and British monarchs, 18 monarchs are buried here, and at least 16 royal weddings have taken place since 1100. The present Gothic-style church, chiefly inspired by 13th-century French and English designs, was begun in 1245. The Henry VII Chapel at the east end is a classic example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, once called "the wonder of the world". Visitors can explore the abbey's historic interiors and see the tombs of more than 3,300 prominent figures, including monarchs, prime ministers, poets laureate, actors, musicians, scientists, military leaders and the Unknown Warrior. Artist William Morris described it as a "National Valhalla". The abbey, together with the Palace of Westminster and St Margaret's Church, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.