Construction of the original abbey began in the lifetime of Mellitus who died in 624AD, so its origins are way before this.
A stone abbey was built around 1045 - 1050 by Edward the Confessor whose remains are still buried in a large shrine within the present abbey. The only surviving image of this abbey is to be found in the Bayeux Tapestry, dating after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The present building was started by Henry III in 1245 and work continued rght up until 1517 under the reign of Richard II.
The abbey has been the place of the coronation of all English monarchs since 1066, and also the site of many royal weddings, funerals and baptisms. It is not a cathedral, nor an abbey proper, nor a church within the Church of England, despite using Anglican liturgy. It is termed a 'royal peculiar' (or peculier) meaning that it lies outside the jurisdiction of any diocesan bishop, and its clergy are answerable directly to the Queen. It has been thus since before the stone abbey built by Edward the Confessor, and it can therefore truly be thought if as a national church for Britain.
Between 1042 and 1052 King Edward the Confessor began rebuilding the Abbey in order to provide himself with a royal burial church. It was the first church in England built in the Norman Romanesque style.
It was not completed until around 1090
Benedictine monks first came to the site in the middle of the tenth century.
The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs.
The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245. However, between circa 1042 and 1052 King Edward the Confessor began to rebuild St Peter's Abbey (now part of Westminster) to provide himself with a royal burial church. It was not completed until around 1090 but was consecrated on 28 December 1065.
Westminster Abbey was created in 1745.
Edward the Confessor - A+
Westminster Abbey is High Anglican
Westminster Abbey, is an Anglican, Christian Church.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Edward the Confessor - A+
Edward the Confessor
Lawrence Edward Tanner has written: 'Unknown Westminster Abbey' -- subject(s): Westminster Abbey 'Westminster School' -- subject(s): Westminster School 'The history of the coronation' 'The abbot's house and deanery of Westminster Abbey' 'The history and treasures of Westminster Abbey' -- subject(s): Westminster Abbey 'Westminster Abbey'
Westminster Abbey is High Anglican
Because it's an abbey and it used to be in the City of Westminster which is now within London.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was held in the Abbey Church of St. Peter, Westminster (Westminster Abbey) on 2nd June 1953
They are in the grounds of the Abbey.
Westminster Abbey, is an Anglican, Christian Church.
Westminster Abbey
Herbert Francis Westlake has written: 'The story of Westminster Abbey' -- subject(s): Westminster Abbey 'The new guide to Westminster Abbey' -- subject(s): Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey