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A Journey through Time: History, Archaeology, and Conservation at Westminster Abbey

Derrick Hughes

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Published in The Coronation Chair And Stone Of Scone: History Archaeology And Conservation (Westminster Abbey Occasional Papers 2)

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Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in the world. It has been the coronation church of English and British monarchs for over 1,000 years, and its walls have witnessed some of the most important moments in English history.

The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone: History Archaeology and Conservation (Westminster Abbey Occasional Papers 2)

The Coronation Chair and Stone of Scone: History, Archaeology and Conservation (Westminster Abbey Occasional Papers Book 2)

by Warwick Rodwell

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But Westminster Abbey is more than just a historic building. It is also a living, breathing community, with a vibrant present and a rich future. The Abbey is home to a community of monks who live and work within its walls, and it is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Abbey's history, archaeology, and conservation are all intertwined. The building has been constantly evolving over the centuries, and its archaeology has revealed much about its past. The Abbey's conservation team works to preserve the building and its contents for future generations.

History

The history of Westminster Abbey begins in the 7th century, when a Benedictine monastery was founded on the site. The monastery was destroyed by the Vikings in the 9th century, but it was rebuilt in the 10th century and became a royal abbey.

The Abbey was rebuilt in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor, and it was consecrated in 1065. The Abbey was further enlarged in the 13th century by King Henry III, and it was again rebuilt in the 16th century by King Henry VII.

The Abbey has been the coronation church of English and British monarchs for over 1,000 years. The first coronation to take place at the Abbey was that of King Harold Godwinson in 1066. The most recent coronation to take place at the Abbey was that of King Charles III in 2022.

The Abbey has also been the burial place of many English and British monarchs. The first monarch to be buried at the Abbey was King Edward the Confessor in 1066. The most recent monarch to be buried at the Abbey was Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Archaeology

The archaeology of Westminster Abbey has revealed much about its past. Excavations have uncovered evidence of the monastery that was founded on the site in the 7th century. They have also revealed evidence of the rebuilding of the Abbey in the 11th, 13th, and 16th centuries.

One of the most important archaeological discoveries at Westminster Abbey was the discovery of the tomb of King Edward the Confessor in 1991. The tomb was found beneath the High Altar, and it contained the remains of the king.

The archaeology of Westminster Abbey has also helped to shed light on the lives of the monks who lived and worked there. Excavations have uncovered evidence of the monks' dormitories, refectory, and cloister.

Conservation

The Abbey's conservation team works to preserve the building and its contents for future generations. The team uses a variety of techniques to conserve the Abbey, including stone cleaning, leadwork repairs, and roof repairs.

One of the most important conservation projects at Westminster Abbey was the restoration of the Abbey's west front. The restoration project was completed in 2001, and it involved the cleaning of the stonework and the replacement of the leadwork.

The Abbey's conservation team also works to conserve the Abbey's contents. The team has conserved a variety of objects, including the Coronation Chair, the Westminster Retable, and the Tomb of Henry VII.

Westminster Abbey is a living, breathing community with a rich history, archaeology, and conservation. The Abbey's history, archaeology, and conservation are all intertwined, and they all contribute to the Abbey's unique character.

The Abbey is a testament to the skill and dedication of the people who have worked to build, maintain, and conserve it over the centuries. It is a reminder of the importance of our history and heritage, and it is a source of inspiration for generations to come.