Westminster Abbey (Part Four).

Tympanum at Westminster Abbey.

Photo: 24 April 2017.

Source: Own work.

Author: Cmao20

(Wikimedia Commons)

Text from Wikipedia - the free encyclopædia,
unless stated otherwise.

Since the Coronation in 1066 of William the Conqueror, every English and British Monarch (except Edward V and Edward VIII, who were never Crowned) has been Crowned in Westminster Abbey.[4][5]

In 1216, Henry III could not be Crowned in London, when he came to the Throne, because the French Prince, Louis, had taken control of the City, and so the King was Crowned in the Church of Saint Peter in Gloucester (which is now Gloucester Cathedral).

This Coronation was deemed by Pope Honorius III to be improper, and a further Coronation was held in Westminster Abbey on 17 May 1220.[56]

13th-Century Wall Paintings,

The Chapter House, Westminster Abbey.

Depicting scenes from The Book of Revelation.

Photo: 29 May 2021.

Source: Own work.

Author: JRennocks

(Wikimedia Commons)

King Edward’s Chair (or Saint Edward’s Chair), the Throne on which English and British Sovereigns have been seated at the moment of Crowning, is now housed within the Abbey in Saint George’s Chapel, near The Great West Door, and has been used at every Coronation since 1308.

From 1301 to 1996 (except for a short time in 1950 when the stone was temporarily stolen by Scottish nationalists), the Chair also housed The Stone of Scone, upon which the Kings of Scots are Crowned.

Although the Stone is now kept in Scotland, in Edinburgh Castle, it is intended that the Stone will be returned to Saint Edward's Chair for use during future Coronation ceremonies.[57]

Construction of The Metropolitan District Railway, circa 1866.

View from Tothill Street, towards Westminster Abbey,

with Lord Raglan’s memorial on a Column.

Date: 1866.

Source: www.urbanlandscape.org.uk

Author: Henry Flather, 1839–7 September 1901

(Wikimedia Commons)

Westminster Abbey is a Collegiate Church, governed by The Dean and Chapter of Westminster, as established by Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I, dated 21 May 1560,[60] which created it as The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter Westminster, a Royal Peculiar, under the personal jurisdiction of The Sovereign.[30]

The members of The Chapter are The Dean and four Canons Residentiary;[61] they are assisted by The Receiver General and Chapter Clerk.[62]

English: Westminster Abbey.

Note the lack of traffic.

Svenska: Westminster Abbey. London, England.

Fotografierna LXVI:K.D.01.-40. är inköpta av Johanna Kempe, f. Wallis, i London, Bournemouth och på Isle of Wight vid hennes vistelse på nämnda orter tillsammans med fröken Caroline Pflaum under deras resa till England,

9 mars-10 maj 1886.

Photo: 1886.

Collection: Hallwyl Museum

Source: LSH 105871 (hm_dig18345)

Photographer: Jenny Bergensten

(Wikimedia Commons)

One of the Canons is also Rector of Saint Margaret’s Church, Westminster, and often also holds the Post of Chaplain to The Speaker of The House of Commons.[63]

In addition to The Dean and Canons, there are, at present, three full-time Minor Canons:

The Precentor;

The Sacrist;

The Chaplain.[64]

A series of Priests Vicar assist The Minor Canons.[64]

The Web-Site of Westminster Abbey can be accessed HERE

PART FIVE FOLLOWS.