Although Westminster Abbey may be better associated with fancy royal weddings and extravagant coronations, the country's most iconic cathedral is also the final resting place of thousands of influential people, from monarchs and consorts to poets, scientists and politicians.
Whether you're into cool, gothic architecture or the history and culture that shaped the world we know today, you'll gain a true sense of history when you visit some of the most famous Westminster Abbey tombs.
Tell me about the Monarchs...
Edward the Confessor
Edward the Confessor was behind the building of Westminster Abbey during his reign from 1042 to 1066, though he never got to see it finished because, well, he died before it was completed. After a turbulent childhood when England was the target of Viking raids and invasions, Edward spent 25 years in exile until he returned to become king. He was the first Anglo-Saxon — and only king of England — to be declared a saint, in 1161.
From Edward the Confessor until George II, most kings and queens were treated with a Westminster Abbey burial.
Edward V
If you're interested in the famous disappearance of "The Princes in the Tower", then make sure to check this one out when visiting.
Despite being named King of England upon his father's death, little 12-year-old Edward V wasn't crowned. Poor Eddie only reigned for 86 days before his uncle Richard III seized the throne and sent him and his brother to the Tower of London. After disappearing in 1483, their fate still remains unknown to this day but it is widely believed that they were murdered on the orders of Richard III.
In 1674, children's bones were discovered in a stairway of the Tower and King Charles II placed them in Westminster Abbey, however, it's never been proven the bones belonged to the princes. What a medieval mystery!
Anne of Cleves
The fourth of Henry VIII's six wives, Anne of Cleves and Henry were only married for six months before the marriage was annulled (awkward). Originally from Dusseldorf in Germany, she was brought over to England for their wedding in 1540 - but Henry apparently didn't fancy her one bit. After the annulment, she was referred to as 'the King's beloved sister', and ended up getting to keep her head and outlived all of Henry VIII's other wives, dying in 1557. She is the only wife of Henry VIII to be buried in the Abbey.
Elizabeth I
Now we're getting to the juicy stuff. One of the most famous Westminster Abbey burials, Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan era, is famous for a golden age of poetry, drama and music, with playwrights such as Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe leading the creative charge, as well as exploration and colonizing the 'New World' of the Americas and Caribbean, with explorers such as Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh navigating the seas. She never married or had children, and died after 44 years on the throne in 1603. She shares her grave with half-sister Mary I (sibling goals).
What about Henry VIII?
Unfortuantely you won't be able to see her dad at Westminster Abbey. Henry VIII, the famously controversial English king, is buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. He was responsible for sweeping religious and political changes during his tenure. He is buried next to his third wife Jane Seymour, who gave him a son, Edward VI. Their burial spot is super detailed and regal, making clear how instrumental a role he played in English history. Wanna know more? Discover more historical facts About Henry VIII.
The Scientists' Corner
Sir Isaac Newton
Considered one of the most influential scientists (and apple-watchers) of all time, Sir Isaac Newton was a physicist and mathematician known for his work on the laws of motion, gravitation, classical mechanics, calculus, planetary motion, optics and more. Among other accolades, he was made President of the Royal Society and was knighted by Queen Anne in 1705 and died in his sleep in 1727. At the time of his death, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in history and his immense contributions to science granted him a burial spot among kings and queens at Westminster Abbey.
Charles Darwin
A naturalist and geologist, Darwin is probably best known for his contribution to the science of evolution and publication of 'On the Origin of Species', where he introduced the process of natural selection. His groundbreaking work revolutionized biology and changed our understanding of life on Earth. As he was not a religious bloke, he had wanted a simple burial in his hometown, but fellow scientists and politicians alike petitioned for him to be buried in Westminster Abbey to honor his significant acheivements.
Stephen Hawking
Like Isaac and Charles before him, Stephen Hawking is buried at Westminster as a way to honor his lifelong contributions to mankind. Hawking was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist best known for his work on black holes, general relativity and quantum mechanics who sadly died in 2018 after living with ALS for over 50 years.
During his memorial service, his voice was even beamed into space toward a black hole! A very fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to understanding the cosmos.
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Other influential figures?
Sir Charles Barry
You'd be excused for not knowing Sir Charles Barry's name, but you already know his work! An English architect in the 19th century, Barry is most known for his work rebuilding the Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament. You'll also see his work not too far away in Trafalgar Square, and at Highclere Castle (a few miles outside of London in Newbury), which famously served as the location of TV show Downton Abbey. He is one of the lesser-known figures found when the Westminster Abbey Tombs were opened.
David Livingstone
Best known for his exploration of Africa and infamous meeting with Henry Morton Stanley, which gave the world the phrase 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?', David Livingstone was a Scottish explorer, missionary, and one of Victorian Britain's most prolific individuals. Coming from a working-class background, he not only discovered the sources of the River Nile, but he also crusaded for the abolition of slavery.
After his death in Zambia in 1873, his attendants carried his body over 1,000 miles to the coast to return it to Britain. However, they buried his heart in Zambia as a way to symbolize his dedication to the continent. So, not all of him is buried in Westminster Abbey, but you can always pop over to Africa if you want to pay respects to the rest of him!
Aphra Behn
You may never have heard of her, but Aphra was a British playwright, poet and translator during the 17th century. Virginia Woolf once wrote 'All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn... in Westminster Abbey... it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds'.
She was one of the first English women to earn a living from writing, and became a role model by breaking cultural barriers. She was even employed by Charles II as a spy!
Behn is buried in the East Cloister, not far from the steps into the Abbey.
The Unknown Warrior
The burial of an unidentified British soldier killed during the First World War is the first example of a tomb of the Unknown Warrior. He represents the thousands of individuals who died during the war. Six bodies were exhumed from various battlefields and were placed in unmarked coffins, before one was selected for burial in Westminster Abbey. Although there are many graves on the floors of the church, this is the only one you're not allowed to walk on as a sign of respect, so watch your step!
Poets' Corner
Geoffrey Chaucer
A scientist as well as writer and poet, the father of English literature died in 1400 and was the first poet to be buried in what's now referred to as Poets' Corner. Anyone who studied English literature will be familiar with his use of Middle English in works such as 'The Book of The Duchess', 'The Legend of Good Women', and most famously 'The Canterbury Tales'.
Charles Dickens
One of the most famous English writers, with classic books such as 'A Christmas Carol', 'David Copperfield', 'Oliver Twist' and many more, Charles Dickens is synonymous with the Victorian era. During his lifetime, he wrote novels and novellas, short stories and articles; he also gave lectures and campaigned for education and children's rights.
Dr. Samuel Johnson
Best known for his 'A Dictionary of the English Language', published in 1755, Dr. Samuel Johnson was one of the most influential writers of the 18th century. His book was viewed as the predominant British dictionary until the introduction of the Oxford English Dictionary 150 years later. He's buried just in front of fellow wordsmith Shakespeare's memorial.
Rudyard Kipling
Another literary icon buried in Poet's Corner is 'Jungle Book' author Rudyard Kipling, whose ashes were buried there after his passing in 1936. Born in 1860s colonial India, writer and poet Kipling was one of the main innovators of short stories. His children's books are classics to this day, with well-known titles such as 'Just So Stories for Little Children' and 'Kim'.
Sir Laurence Olivier
Perhaps one of the world's most legendary actors, Laurence Olivier dominated the world of acting in the mid-20th century and played over 50 cinema roles.
During his prestigious lifetime, he received a knighthood, a life peerage (becoming a baron), the Order of Merit, and a whopping four Academy Awards. The National Theatre's largest auditorium was named in his honor and he is commemorated every year in the Laurence Olivier Awards.
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Enjoyed this? Check out our comparison guide to St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey or take a look at our list of Westminster Abbey FAQs for even more knowledge.
