Coronations at the Abbey
Ahead of the coronation in May you will have the chance to discover everything about coronations – the history, the faith, the people, the objects and the church at the heart of it all.
Coronation tours
Go behind the scenes and see some of the key artifacts and locations used in coronations at the Abbey.
Find out more and book your tour
Spotlight on the coronation: Cosmati pavement
Find out more about the great pavement in front of the High Altar. The complexity and subtlety of the design and workmanship can be seen nowhere else on this scale. It was laid down in 1268 by order of Henry III.
Find out more about the Cosmati Pavement
A history of coronations
The crowning of a new monarch has taken place at Westminster Abbey since 25 December 1066 In that time, 38 coronation ceremonies have taken place and 39 monarchs have been crowned.
A brief history of coronations
Read about the history of coronations, including details of Elizabeth II's coronation
Coronations at the Abbey
Monarchs crowned at the Abbey
Discover more about the Kings and Queens who have been crowned at the Abbey
Abbey kings and queens
The Coronation Chair
26 monarchs have been crowned in this historic 700 year-old chair
About the Coronation Chair
Queen consorts of the Abbey
Find out about the lives of each of the Abbey consorts
Consorts' stories
The King's coronation
The coronation of HM King Charles III will take place at the Abbey on Saturday 6th May.
Visiting the Abbey
Find out information about visiting the Abbey and when we will be closed for preparation.
Visiting FAQsCoronation in 10 objects
Each of the objects featured tells a different story about coronations at the Abbey. Explore each piece and how it relates to crowning a monarch.
Liber Regalis
This highly decorated manuscript is in fact an instruction book. The Liber Regalis, or Royal Book, is designed to help people organise and run a coronation.
Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair has been the centrepiece of coronations for over 700 years when it is placed in the centre of the Abbey, in front of the High Altar.
Cosmati Pavement
The great pavement in front of the High Altar is a unique and remarkable object. The complexity and subtlety of the design and workmanship can be seen nowhere else on this scale. It was laid down in 1268 by order of Henry III.
Special coronation events
Coronation exhibition
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Coronation tour
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New coronation menu
Enjoy a special coronation-themed breakfast or lunch from 12th March.
Dine with usMore events at the Abbey
Find out about our range of special Coronation-themed tours, family events, talks and more. These events will run throughout most of the year.
See all eventsSubscribe to our mailing list
Keep up to date with all of the Abbey's coronation events, news, features, videos and more.
Join our mailing listCoronations: Learning and Family
Coronation club
Our club will have lots of exclusive videos, guides and activities for all the family to join in with
Join the club
Teaching resources
We have a range of coronation-themed resources for Key stage 2 and key stage 3 students.
View the resources
