Uncovering Hidden Histories

Britain’s diverse histories, those that are celebrated and those that some might rather forget, are embedded into the floor, walls and windows of Westminster Abbey. The Hidden Histories project brought together 11 talented 16 - 24 year olds for eight weeks to think about why some of these histories so often gone untold, or are told in ways that erase marginalised communities.

Acting as young consultants for the Abbey, the group were given detailed tours of the Abbey which explored broad historical contexts, as well as providing access to exclusive areas like the library. They also met with behind-the-scenes staff including the Marketing Department and conservators, along with members of Dean and Chapter. The young consultants were encouraged to reflect on issues of representation in the Abbey — who is memorialised in the space and who is not? Which stories and whose perspectives are left out? And what does this selective storytelling mean for the Abbey as it reflects the nation’s story back to itself? The young people were encouraged to find a narrative that spoke to them and respond creatively in their own ways, either as individuals or in small groups.

• To give young consultants opportunities to make connections with others and gain experience of working within a cultural space.
• To provide young consultants with unprecedented access to the Abbey, supporting them in developing a deeper understanding of and connection to this iconic sacred space. 
• For the Abbey to develop an understanding of how it can make its spaces more inclusive and strive to tell the nation's stories with integrity. 
• To begin a dialogue between the Abbey and young people, nurturing a sense of ownership for the young people and a practice of listening for the Abbey. 

At the end of the eight weeks the Abbey hosted a presentation evening. This gave the young consultants the opportunity to showcase their creative responses for friends, family, representatives from their organisations, Abbey staff and colleagues from across the cultural and heritage sector. They gave speeches, delivered tours, performed and presented their work in the spaces that had inspired them. 

• I was so impressed by the opportunities the young people had to shape and share their own responses. It was unexpected for the Abbey to be so open to diverse interpretations.
• After watching the presentations, I was moved and really understood the inclusivity of Westminster Abbey. I was also impressed with the fact that Westminster Abbey have initiated this programme to reach out into the community and make it more inclusive.
• The presentations were moving, the work produced was very personal but also relatable.
• For me, the Abbey will always be primarily a place of worship, but now I have been shown how it can be used as a tremendous creative resource for all ages. 

The young consultants’ responses to the project were overwhelmingly positive. They noted in particular how useful the skills they honed during the project were to them: creativity, public speaking and teamwork would extend their CVs and help when applying for university. 

During the project, there was a shift in the way the group saw the Abbey and who the space is for. At the outset, the young people mostly felt the Abbey was a space for tourists, Christians and royalty. By the end, the group stressed that the church was a place for everyone and holds real value for young people.

The young consultants also mentioned the value of collaborating and working with others who had different lived experiences and perspectives to their own.  One member of the group said he had ‘never been in such a diverse group before’ and was ‘amazed’ to see their similarities. Another said that meeting everyone made him ‘realise that everyone is the same’ and ‘opened his eyes.’

The project highlighted that the Abbey was just part of the way on a journey to becoming a more representative space where everyone might feel included in the Abbey’s story. The young consultants were eager for this progress to continue.