The present building dates mainly from the reign of King Henry III. In 1245 he pulled down the eastern part of the 11th century Abbey, which had been founded by King Edward the Confessor and … See more

When Henry III died in 1272 only one bay of the nave beyond the quire screen had been completed. The old Norman nave remained attached to the f… See more

A spacious area between the high altar and the beginning of the quire was necessary to provide a 'the… See more

In 1422 Henry Vwas buried at the eastern end of St Edward's Chapel. In accordance with his will, a lavishly sculptured chantry chapel was built over the to… See more

The last phase of building of the Abbey was the completion in 1745 of the West Towers in Portland stone, to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the … See more

The figures over the main north entrance were carved by Messrs Farmer and Brindley (some have been restored) and show Christ in Majesty blessing the Church and the World surr… See more

It is said that Henry's devotion to St Edward the Confessor later prompted him to build a more magnificent church in the newest Gothic style, and also to provide a new shrine for the Saint, n… See more

Abbot John Islip, died 1532, added his own Jesus chapel off the north ambulatory and finally completed the n… See more

The next great addition to the Abbey was the construction of a magnificent new Lady Chapel by Henry VIIbetween 1503 and 1519 to replace the 13th century chapel. This was consecrated on 1… See more

The exterior fabric of the Abbey has been restored and re-faced several times in different types of stone. Wr… See more