Westminster Abbey in 1900

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Arthur H. Beavan found quite a lot to say in Imperial London, 1901 about Westminster Abbey:

I would recommend the pilgrim bound for London's 'Minster West of St. Paul's,' as Westminster Abbey was anciently called, to view it if possible under the guidance of trained observers acquainted with its every nook and corner, and willing and able to impart their knowledge to others.

It was the author's good fortune in 1900 to meet such experts in ecclesiology.

A clerical friend was the first to reveal to me the inner meaning of the structure, without which enlightenment Westminster Abbey is but one of many metropolitan sights to be only explored and criticized by the aid of guides and hand-books.

Thus, amongst other things, my friend told me that the predominant thought of its builders was that the altar should stand upon an elevation visible from every part of the church; since there, on the 'Mound,' as it came to be termed, the supreme Sacrifice on Calvary's Hill would for generations to come be renewed with all mysterious solemnity in the daily Mass; a principle familiar enough to Roman Catholics, but not so evident perhaps to Protestants.

To the sanctity of the Mound, was added the fame of a miracle-working shrine, in which reposed the body of Edward the saintly Confessor; and all else in the building became subordinate to this holy spot.

Sovereigns were enthroned and crowned upon it; there they were buried as in the most sacred of places; and, clustering around, rose stately chantries, culminating at the far east end of the Abbey, in Henry the Seventh's unrivalled chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Opinions differ, but I think that an entrance from the west end gives a much better general impression than from the north door, the 'hunger of the eye for length of line' being immediately gratified, and although the choir-screen cuts off a good view of the holy table, the noble vista of slender pillars (suggested no doubt to ancient architects by the tall trees of some primaeval forest) makes one realize the fitness of Emerson's saying that 'the Gothic cathedral is a blossoming in stone subdued by the insatiable demand of harmony in man.'

As we rambled round Westminster Abbey, nothing of real interest escaped the notice of our guide, who, in terse, well-chosen sentences, gave a reason, an explanation, for everything; history became a living reality, and for three hours that swiftly fled, his listeners found 'sermons in stones, and good in everything.'

By easy stages we were taken through the Minster.

First into the Baptistry in the south-west Tower, re-christened by Dean Stanley 'Little Poets' Corner,' where the names of Keble, Wordsworth, Dr. Arnold of Rugby, his son Matthew Arnold, Frederick Maurice, and Charles Kingsley, are perpetuated by marble busts.

Then up the north aisle, down the nave, and up the south aisle, from where a small door leads into the cloisters where lie several of the early abbots and many monks; a peep at the quaint Little Cloisters, where the canons and organist live; past the Chapel of the Pyx where the Abbey treasures were kept, and so to the noble Chapter House and back into the Abbey, not by the usual route, but through the miniature chapel of St. Faith, with its vaulted stone roof, one of the most interesting portions of the building.

The Chapter House deserves a lengthy description all to itself - it is almost the largest Chapter House in England - here the abbots and monks used to sit in solemn council; here the House of Commons at one time met; and, before its restoration by Sir Gilbert Scott, the State Records were kept here - the crypt below was formerly the Royal Treasury where the Sovereign's hard cash and regalia were jealously guarded, also the pyx or box containing the standard pieces of gold and silver used for testing the accuracy of the current coinage - its massive door with seven locks is said to have been lined with human skins, grim relics of the awful penalty paid by some would-be robbers of the Royal valuables.

Over the site of the ancient altar in the chapel of St. Faith are the faded remnants of a painting that once glowed with colour, supposed to represent the patron saint - a 3rd century virgin martyred for refusing to make pagan sacrifices even under torture - she was roasted on a bedstead or gridiron.

The chapel of St. Faith is always reserved for private devotion.

This view of Westminster Abbey will continue with a look at Edward the Confessor's Chapel:

• Edward The Confessor's Chapel a momentary pause in Poets' Corner, a sacred spot wherein to linger on some future occasion.


• Wax Effigies of Royalty in Westminster Abbey on one occasion, I wanted to show some friends, who I'd taken to see Westminster Abbey, the famous wax effigies of Royalty including Charles I.


• westminster abbey exterior the exterior aspects of London's Westminster Abbey - the view from Lambeth Bridge described.


• Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey the Westminster Abbey records can best be studied by reading this fascinating and exhaustive work of Dean Stanley.


• Royal Tombs Westminster Abbey holds the graves of British Kings and Queens galore, up to the time of, and including, King George the Second and his consort.


• Musicians' Corner in the north aisle of the Westminster Abbey choir, appropriately near the organ, is Musicians' Corner, where rests the great Henry Purcell.


• Poets' Corner in poets' corner you can gaze on Garrick's tomb, if you seek some "poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more."