We quizzed the Westminster Abbey guides on questions they're asked by tourists: the popular, the funny, and the downright silly. And, just so you know what not to ask, here they all are (plus answers)...
Is Sir Lancelot buried at the Abbey?
Let’s get this one out the way first. No, Sir Lancelot is a fictional character, so he’s not buried anywhere except the pages of a book.
Is Sherlock Holmes buried at the Abbey?
Although we agree Sherlock deserves an Abbey burial for his services to mystery solving, again, he’s a fictional character. Top tip: check if a person is real before enquiring.
Is Henry VIII buried at the Abbey?
Okay, now we’re venturing into real person territory which is an improvement. And, this one is a bit more legit. You may have seen that Henry’s parents, one of his wives (Anne of Cleves), and all of his children – even the illegitimate ones – are buried at the Abbey. But no, Henry VIII’s tomb is actually in Windsor Castle and he’s buried with his favourite wife, Jane Seymore, the one who gave him an heir!
Henry VIII – of six wives fame – is buried here at Windsor Castle
Is John Lennon buried at the Abbey?
Last burial question… and it’s another nope. Despite there being at least 20 Johns buried at the Abbey, not one of them is a Lennon. John Lennon, of Beatles fame, was cremated and his ashes scattered in Central Park – an area now known as Strawberry Fields.
Were Charles and Diana married there?
Another very popular assumption but, before you think you’ll be walking in Diana’s bridal footsteps, it was actually St. Paul’s Cathedral where the couple were wed. Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding was the most recent to take place at the Abbey, and King Charles was coronated there too. You’ll be able to see the famous Coronation Chair behind some verrry thick glass on your way out.
And, before you ask, Princess Diana is buried at Althorp House, her family home. You can, however, visit the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park.
Is Westminster Abbey where the Queen lay in state?
Remember when people queued for over 24 hours to pay their respects to the Queen? You may think she lay in state in Westminster Abbey but, confusingly, due to the number of places in Westminster that use the name Westminster, it was actually Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster. Phew – hope we cleared that up.
The Palace of Westminster – also known as the Houses of Parliament, probably because it was all getting a bit confusing.
Is Westminster Abbey haunted?
A perfectly legitimate question in our opinion (and one that was asked by us – not gonna lie). The answer was a resounding no, followed by peals of laughter.
We are unconvinced, though. Over 3,000 burials and not one ghost? Unlikely.
And, *drum roll* the number one most-asked question at Westminster Abbey is…
Where are the toilets?
And, to be fair, because they’re located in the Cloisters just outside the main areas of the Abbey, they're hard to spot. So it’s no wonder there are lots of questions about the toilet situ, but rest assured, they exist – yay!
Other things you need to know about Westminster Abbey
- Harry Potter did not go to school at the Abbey (even if the Cloisters has a distinct 'Chamber of Secrets' vibe).
- The crown jewels are not kept there. They’re at the Tower of London.
- Doctor Who has not been filmed there, sorry no Tardis in the corner.
- There are no known secret tunnels…
- …and that includes one that goes to Buckingham Palace.
Want to know more about the Abbey? Read what to see in Westminster Abbey besides tombs and brush up on your history with a cheat's guide to Westminster Abbey.
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