Westminster Abbey
@westminsterabbey.bsky.social
A royal church offering daily services for all and a World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of history.
This #NationalStorytellingWeek we're celebrating the much-loved authors remembered in Poets' Corner here at the Abbey.
So from Chaucer and Dickens to Austen and the Brontë sisters, if you're looking for a great book to read, here are some inspiring writers to choose from... 📚
So from Chaucer and Dickens to Austen and the Brontë sisters, if you're looking for a great book to read, here are some inspiring writers to choose from... 📚
February 3, 2026 at 2:09 PM
This #NationalStorytellingWeek we're celebrating the much-loved authors remembered in Poets' Corner here at the Abbey.
So from Chaucer and Dickens to Austen and the Brontë sisters, if you're looking for a great book to read, here are some inspiring writers to choose from... 📚
So from Chaucer and Dickens to Austen and the Brontë sisters, if you're looking for a great book to read, here are some inspiring writers to choose from... 📚
To celebrate #NationalHedgehogDay, this illustration of two playful hedgehogs is from a Bestiary - a medieval book of beasts - in our Library collection.
Bestiaries were popular in the Middle Ages and feature creatures, both real and mythical, and a moral lesson about each one.
Bestiaries were popular in the Middle Ages and feature creatures, both real and mythical, and a moral lesson about each one.
February 2, 2026 at 1:18 PM
To celebrate #NationalHedgehogDay, this illustration of two playful hedgehogs is from a Bestiary - a medieval book of beasts - in our Library collection.
Bestiaries were popular in the Middle Ages and feature creatures, both real and mythical, and a moral lesson about each one.
Bestiaries were popular in the Middle Ages and feature creatures, both real and mythical, and a moral lesson about each one.
We'll be celebrating the Presentation of Christ in the Temple at Sung Eucharist with the Blessing of Candles in the Abbey at 5pm (GMT) today.
Everyone is welcome to join us, either in person or via our live stream:
www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=19224
#Candlemas
Everyone is welcome to join us, either in person or via our live stream:
www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=19224
#Candlemas
February 2, 2026 at 8:35 AM
We'll be celebrating the Presentation of Christ in the Temple at Sung Eucharist with the Blessing of Candles in the Abbey at 5pm (GMT) today.
Everyone is welcome to join us, either in person or via our live stream:
www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=19224
#Candlemas
Everyone is welcome to join us, either in person or via our live stream:
www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=19224
#Candlemas
Perfect timing! These snowdrops are coming into flower in College Garden just in time for #Candlemas tomorrow.
Snowdrops were traditionally known by names including Candlemas bells and Candlemas lilies, thanks to their pure white petals and late winter flowering.
Snowdrops were traditionally known by names including Candlemas bells and Candlemas lilies, thanks to their pure white petals and late winter flowering.
February 1, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Perfect timing! These snowdrops are coming into flower in College Garden just in time for #Candlemas tomorrow.
Snowdrops were traditionally known by names including Candlemas bells and Candlemas lilies, thanks to their pure white petals and late winter flowering.
Snowdrops were traditionally known by names including Candlemas bells and Candlemas lilies, thanks to their pure white petals and late winter flowering.
'Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit'
- Henry VI, Part I (V, 5)
This stained glass window in the Abbey's Florence Nightingale chapel is dedicated to all those from the nursing professions who lost their lives serving during the Second World War
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
- Henry VI, Part I (V, 5)
This stained glass window in the Abbey's Florence Nightingale chapel is dedicated to all those from the nursing professions who lost their lives serving during the Second World War
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
February 1, 2026 at 12:17 PM
'Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit'
- Henry VI, Part I (V, 5)
This stained glass window in the Abbey's Florence Nightingale chapel is dedicated to all those from the nursing professions who lost their lives serving during the Second World War
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
- Henry VI, Part I (V, 5)
This stained glass window in the Abbey's Florence Nightingale chapel is dedicated to all those from the nursing professions who lost their lives serving during the Second World War
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
'Gallant warriors, noble gentlemen'
- Henry IV, Part I (IV, 4)
The Abbey's RAF Chapel is dedicated to 'The Few' - the airmen of the Battle of Britain who fought against extraordinary odds to defend the country from invasion in 1940.
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
- Henry IV, Part I (IV, 4)
The Abbey's RAF Chapel is dedicated to 'The Few' - the airmen of the Battle of Britain who fought against extraordinary odds to defend the country from invasion in 1940.
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
February 1, 2026 at 12:15 PM
'Gallant warriors, noble gentlemen'
- Henry IV, Part I (IV, 4)
The Abbey's RAF Chapel is dedicated to 'The Few' - the airmen of the Battle of Britain who fought against extraordinary odds to defend the country from invasion in 1940.
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
- Henry IV, Part I (IV, 4)
The Abbey's RAF Chapel is dedicated to 'The Few' - the airmen of the Battle of Britain who fought against extraordinary odds to defend the country from invasion in 1940.
#ShakespeareSunday #Heroes
These 14th-century sedilia - seats used by the priests during Mass - can be found by the Abbey's High Altar. The oak panels are richly decorated with paintings of kings including Henry III and Edward I, and the canopy above has three small corbel heads of an abbot and two kings.
January 30, 2026 at 10:11 AM
These 14th-century sedilia - seats used by the priests during Mass - can be found by the Abbey's High Altar. The oak panels are richly decorated with paintings of kings including Henry III and Edward I, and the canopy above has three small corbel heads of an abbot and two kings.
To celebrate #LibraryShelfieDay, this is the Abbey library which has been set in the former monastic dormitory since 1591 and is home to some 14,000 historic books and manuscripts 📚
Find out more about the collection: www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/library-research/library-collection
Find out more about the collection: www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/library-research/library-collection
January 28, 2026 at 12:47 PM
To celebrate #LibraryShelfieDay, this is the Abbey library which has been set in the former monastic dormitory since 1591 and is home to some 14,000 historic books and manuscripts 📚
Find out more about the collection: www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/library-research/library-collection
Find out more about the collection: www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/library-research/library-collection
On #HolocaustMemorialDay we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the horror of the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution
Prayers have been said in the Abbey today for peace, justice and hope around the world
#HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness
Prayers have been said in the Abbey today for peace, justice and hope around the world
#HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness
January 27, 2026 at 7:59 PM
On #HolocaustMemorialDay we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the horror of the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution
Prayers have been said in the Abbey today for peace, justice and hope around the world
#HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness
Prayers have been said in the Abbey today for peace, justice and hope around the world
#HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness
We're delighted that our dramatic Great West Window is a finalist in the @englishcathedrals.co.uk hunt for the nation's favourite stained glass window.
Cast your vote for this Georgian masterpiece at:
https://englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/englands-favourite-stained-glass-window-vote-here/
Cast your vote for this Georgian masterpiece at:
https://englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/englands-favourite-stained-glass-window-vote-here/
January 26, 2026 at 1:25 PM
We're delighted that our dramatic Great West Window is a finalist in the @englishcathedrals.co.uk hunt for the nation's favourite stained glass window.
Cast your vote for this Georgian masterpiece at:
https://englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/englands-favourite-stained-glass-window-vote-here/
Cast your vote for this Georgian masterpiece at:
https://englishcathedrals.co.uk/latest-news/englands-favourite-stained-glass-window-vote-here/
'What stir is this? what tumult's in the heavens? Whence cometh this alarum and the noise?'
- Henry VI, Part I (I, 4)
This is our memorial to the famous Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, whose ship Association floundered off the Scilly Isles in stormy weather in 1707.
#ShakespeareSunday
- Henry VI, Part I (I, 4)
This is our memorial to the famous Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, whose ship Association floundered off the Scilly Isles in stormy weather in 1707.
#ShakespeareSunday
January 25, 2026 at 12:15 PM
'What stir is this? what tumult's in the heavens? Whence cometh this alarum and the noise?'
- Henry VI, Part I (I, 4)
This is our memorial to the famous Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, whose ship Association floundered off the Scilly Isles in stormy weather in 1707.
#ShakespeareSunday
- Henry VI, Part I (I, 4)
This is our memorial to the famous Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, whose ship Association floundered off the Scilly Isles in stormy weather in 1707.
#ShakespeareSunday
Among the treasures on display in our museum, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, is the footstool which was used at the coronation of Queen Victoria here in the Abbey on 28 June 1838.
In her journal, Victoria recorded the events of the day, calling it 'the proudest of my life'.
In her journal, Victoria recorded the events of the day, calling it 'the proudest of my life'.
January 22, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Among the treasures on display in our museum, The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, is the footstool which was used at the coronation of Queen Victoria here in the Abbey on 28 June 1838.
In her journal, Victoria recorded the events of the day, calling it 'the proudest of my life'.
In her journal, Victoria recorded the events of the day, calling it 'the proudest of my life'.
Westminster Abbey has been a place of daily worship for a thousand years, and everyone is welcome at our services.
You can find more information about worshipping here, and full service times, on our website: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music
You can find more information about worshipping here, and full service times, on our website: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music
January 21, 2026 at 11:55 AM
Westminster Abbey has been a place of daily worship for a thousand years, and everyone is welcome at our services.
You can find more information about worshipping here, and full service times, on our website: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music
You can find more information about worshipping here, and full service times, on our website: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music
'Look, look, a mouse!'
- King Lear (IV, 6)
The carved and gilded oak candlesticks beside the Abbey's nave altar were designed by Sir Charles Peers and made by Robert Thompson - whose traditional mouse emblem can be seen carved at the base.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
- King Lear (IV, 6)
The carved and gilded oak candlesticks beside the Abbey's nave altar were designed by Sir Charles Peers and made by Robert Thompson - whose traditional mouse emblem can be seen carved at the base.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
January 18, 2026 at 12:19 PM
'Look, look, a mouse!'
- King Lear (IV, 6)
The carved and gilded oak candlesticks beside the Abbey's nave altar were designed by Sir Charles Peers and made by Robert Thompson - whose traditional mouse emblem can be seen carved at the base.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
- King Lear (IV, 6)
The carved and gilded oak candlesticks beside the Abbey's nave altar were designed by Sir Charles Peers and made by Robert Thompson - whose traditional mouse emblem can be seen carved at the base.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
'Valiant as a lion'
- Henry IV, Part I (III, 1)
The ancient Coronation Chair has been used at the coronation of every monarch since that of Henry IV in the Abbey in 1399. At its foot are four gilt lions - symbols of royalty, courage and valour.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
- Henry IV, Part I (III, 1)
The ancient Coronation Chair has been used at the coronation of every monarch since that of Henry IV in the Abbey in 1399. At its foot are four gilt lions - symbols of royalty, courage and valour.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
January 18, 2026 at 12:17 PM
'Valiant as a lion'
- Henry IV, Part I (III, 1)
The ancient Coronation Chair has been used at the coronation of every monarch since that of Henry IV in the Abbey in 1399. At its foot are four gilt lions - symbols of royalty, courage and valour.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
- Henry IV, Part I (III, 1)
The ancient Coronation Chair has been used at the coronation of every monarch since that of Henry IV in the Abbey in 1399. At its foot are four gilt lions - symbols of royalty, courage and valour.
#ShakespeareSunday #CreaturesGreatAndSmall
Queen Elizabeth I was crowned in the Abbey #onthisday in 1599. The daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty and her reign lasted for 44 years.
This is the tomb where she lies buried in the Abbey's Lady Chapel.
This is the tomb where she lies buried in the Abbey's Lady Chapel.
January 15, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Queen Elizabeth I was crowned in the Abbey #onthisday in 1599. The daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty and her reign lasted for 44 years.
This is the tomb where she lies buried in the Abbey's Lady Chapel.
This is the tomb where she lies buried in the Abbey's Lady Chapel.
Westminster Abbey is a World Heritage Site with a thousand years of history for you to explore.
On #HeritageTreasuresDay, take a look at some of the highlights that you can enjoy when you visit us...
On #HeritageTreasuresDay, take a look at some of the highlights that you can enjoy when you visit us...
January 14, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Westminster Abbey is a World Heritage Site with a thousand years of history for you to explore.
On #HeritageTreasuresDay, take a look at some of the highlights that you can enjoy when you visit us...
On #HeritageTreasuresDay, take a look at some of the highlights that you can enjoy when you visit us...
January 11, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!
Her Royal Highness is pictured here arriving at the Abbey for the annual Together at Christmas carol service last month.
Her Royal Highness is pictured here arriving at the Abbey for the annual Together at Christmas carol service last month.
January 9, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!
Her Royal Highness is pictured here arriving at the Abbey for the annual Together at Christmas carol service last month.
Her Royal Highness is pictured here arriving at the Abbey for the annual Together at Christmas carol service last month.
January 6, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Today is the #Epiphany of Our Lord when we celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.
Everyone is welcome to join us for Sung Eucharist at 5pm (GMT), either in the Abbey or from wherever you are via our livestream: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=16055
Everyone is welcome to join us for Sung Eucharist at 5pm (GMT), either in the Abbey or from wherever you are via our livestream: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=16055
January 6, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Today is the #Epiphany of Our Lord when we celebrate the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.
Everyone is welcome to join us for Sung Eucharist at 5pm (GMT), either in the Abbey or from wherever you are via our livestream: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=16055
Everyone is welcome to join us for Sung Eucharist at 5pm (GMT), either in the Abbey or from wherever you are via our livestream: www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/watch-services?id=16055
Gifts of the Magi: On the Feast of the Epiphany, the Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus, and asks what we might lay at Christ's feet in this new year.
You can watch the full reflection at: https://youtu.be/Wv3gr3oLkco
You can watch the full reflection at: https://youtu.be/Wv3gr3oLkco
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Gifts of the Magi: On the Feast of the Epiphany, the Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus, and asks what we might lay at Christ's feet in this new year.
You can watch the full reflection at: https://youtu.be/Wv3gr3oLkco
You can watch the full reflection at: https://youtu.be/Wv3gr3oLkco
Happy New Year! All of us at Westminster Abbey wish you a happy and peaceful 2026.
This throwback picture was taken from the Abbey roof and shows Big Ben and the London Eye lit up by London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.
📸 Getty Images
This throwback picture was taken from the Abbey roof and shows Big Ben and the London Eye lit up by London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.
📸 Getty Images
January 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Happy New Year! All of us at Westminster Abbey wish you a happy and peaceful 2026.
This throwback picture was taken from the Abbey roof and shows Big Ben and the London Eye lit up by London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.
📸 Getty Images
This throwback picture was taken from the Abbey roof and shows Big Ben and the London Eye lit up by London's spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks.
📸 Getty Images
We're ending our look back at 2025 with these pictures from a special carol service hosted here by The Princess of Wales. A joyful celebration of Christmas, the service recognised the selfless efforts of those who foster compassion and togetherness in their communities.
#YearInPictures
#YearInPictures
December 31, 2025 at 3:41 PM
We're ending our look back at 2025 with these pictures from a special carol service hosted here by The Princess of Wales. A joyful celebration of Christmas, the service recognised the selfless efforts of those who foster compassion and togetherness in their communities.
#YearInPictures
#YearInPictures
In October, we welcomed HM The Queen to a service to celebrate the harvest. The service gave thanks to farmers, and to all those working to tackle food poverty.
#YearInPictures
#YearInPictures
December 30, 2025 at 4:47 PM
In October, we welcomed HM The Queen to a service to celebrate the harvest. The service gave thanks to farmers, and to all those working to tackle food poverty.
#YearInPictures
#YearInPictures