Poppys Place: Westminster Abbey, The Chapter House.

Saturday, 5 September 2015

Westminster Abbey, The Chapter House.

The vaulted ceiling, and the central pillar.

Westminster Abbey is one of England’s most famous buildings, but until earlier this year I had never been there. There is so much history attached to the building that I will not even attempt to repeat any of it here.

Part of the front facade, the bottom section was covered in scaffolding.

View across the Cloisters.

Needless to say we had a fantastic time walking round the building, there is just so much to see and to take in, I have finally seen the tomb of The Unknown Soldier, which commands respect from every visitor, and is a reminder of the sacrifice of so many men from the two World Wars. Many famous people have memorials in the Abbey, of special interest to me were the memorials to Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots.

Looking towards The Cloister

Wonderful ceilings

Having spent a long time in the main part of the Abbey we then went into the Cloisters and from there to the Chapter House. Once outside the main Abbey building photography is allowed, and when I saw the Chapter House I was so pleased to be able to take photos there.

The entrance to the Cloister House.

The Chapter House is an octagonal building dating from around 1250. It was originally used as a meeting and prayer room for the Benedictine monks, and has been used by The King’s Great Council and a store room for government records. The stained glass windows date from the Victorian era, they beautifully enhance this wonderful space.

Part of one of the beautiful stained glass windows.

Carvings above the entrance.

Medieval tiles.

The building is just beautiful, all around the walls are Medieval paintings, a few of which are shown here, the detail in each painting is amazing, and each painting tells its own story.