An Evening at the Abbey

Regretfully I've been slow getting around to this. A few weeks back (well actually the end of September) I attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey followed by a private after hours tour. I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity and jumped at the chance. Apart from Westminster Abbey's own grandeur and historical significance, it was the little chapel where this occurred:

Yes, THE Royal Wedding. The event of the decade adds yet another dimension to the Abbey. The Abbey is the only Abbey in England that is under direct control of the Queen, I guess when your grandmother is the Queen that makes for an easy choice regarding wedding venues. 

The evening started out with a wonderful Evensong from the Abbey's choir. It was absolutely enchanting. I was seated in the first row. Bottom left of this photograph, precisely. For the Royal Wedding, Kate's family and friends were seated in the area I sat for Evensong. I could really feel the presence of a royal extravaganza, even though it had been a few months.

The Abbey was absolutely packed for Evensong. Partly because it was the end of the tourism season, but also the Royal Wedding has increased Westminster Abbey traffic enormously.

Photographs were prohibited inside the Abbey, but I couldn't help myself from taking a few snapshots. 

This the view across and to the right from where I was sitting. Not sure why those lucky lads got to sit in the pews - I was jealous! They were absolutely breathtaking and the detailing was so intricate. For the Royal wedding the choir sat in the front of these pews/stalls. Behind them were William & Kate's friends and the Cabinet.

 

This is across and to the left from where I was seated. We are viewing where William and Kate sat during the service!!! 

Their chairs were in another part of the Abbey... which I later illegally touched! Oops! Oh and I think I could still smell her perfume. 

After the service I was treated to a phenomenal and in-depth tour. Our tour guide had actually been a choir boy for the Queen's coronation! To put it lightly, he knew the ins and outs of the Abbey. 

Here are a few highlights:

The alter floor.

This is a birds eye view of the alter area. The floor is thousands of years old and is made from Italian glass and stone. Do not think that it is a mosaic because in fact all these pieces were cut to mold together! The general public is not allowed on the steps or near the alter area... but it pays to know a few people. I was able to stand in the exact spot where this:

and this happened:

I also had the pleasure of seeing the King Henry VII chapel. This is where the Most Honourable Order of the Bath has the ceremony of knighthood. All of the Knights that were ever knighted have a stall in the chapel (obviously they overlap). Whichever Knight currently holds the stall has their armor above the stall and their plaque added to the others of that stall. 

Here is Queen Elizabeth's Tomb. Very opulent. In fact, it is on top of her sister Queen Mary's, with only a small plaque indicating it! 

I was so fortunate to have this experience. The Abbey is truly magnificent. You can feel the history around you - nearly 7,000 human beings are buried at the Abbey, which about 20 are Kings or Queens. Being at the Abbey makes you realize and appreciate God's greatness on a whole different level. I would definitely recommend visiting Westminster Abbey!