Name: Chapter House and Pyx Chamber
Rating: 5.0

Chapter House and Pyx Chamber

Westminster Abbey, Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Chapter House and Pyx Chamber Built by the royal masons in 1250, the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey was originally used in the 13th century by Benedictine monks for their daily meetings. It later became a meeting place of the King's Great Council and the Commons, predecessors of today's Parliament.

A beautiful octagonal building with a vaulted ceiling and delicate central column, it offers rarely seen examples of medieval sculpture, an original floor of glazed tiles and spectacular wall paintings.

Price starts from £31 for Adults, £14 for Children(6-17 yrs) and £31 for Families (1 adult and 1 child). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of the Chapter House and Pyx Chamber, Westminster Abbey: The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber are two beautifully preserved medieval rooms on the east side of the Westminster Abbey cloister. This was where the monks lived and worked when not attending services in the abbey church. During the Middle Ages and afterwards, the two spaces were sometimes put to secular uses – parliaments were held in the Chapter House, and valuables and important documents were stored in both. Because state use continued until the 19th century, these rooms were managed separately from the abbey, and since 1984 they have been the responsibility of English Heritage.
The 11th century: the Pyx Chamber: There has been an abbey dedicated to St Peter at Westminster since long before the Norman Conquest: tradition places its foundation in the 7th century. It is certain that around 1045, King Edward the Confessor began to rebuild its church on a monumental scale, in an architectural style derived from Normandy, where he had lived in exile for many years. This church was dedicated in December 1065, days before his death. At Christmas 1066, it hosted the coronation of the Norman conqueror as King William I.
Henry III’s Chapter House: The Chapter House was built in the mid 13th century, as part of the great reconstruction of the abbey ordered by King Henry III (reigned 1216–72). In a reflection of the king’s tastes, the Chapter House was a spectacular concept. Octagonal in plan, it echoed polygonal buildings characteristic of England, but in a Gothic style heavily influenced by French architecture, notably the royal Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and Amiens Cathedral. The building was immediately hailed as ‘beyond compare’. Its influence can be seen in other cathedral chapter houses, notably Salisbury and Wells, built soon after.

Facilities

Parking: There are no parking facilities at the Abbey and only very limited car parking in the surrounding area. We suggest you visit by public transport because the Abbey is close to train and Underground stations, and is on a number of bus routes.
Food & Drinks: The Cellarium Café and Terrace (not managed by English Heritage) can be found in the cloisters.
Toilets: There is a toilet of the use of the café's customers. The nearest public toilets can be found at Westminster underground station.
Dogs: Assistance dogs only.

What to see

Events:
Beyond Victory Exhibition: 80 Years of Christian Aid: 26 May - 20 June. Discover the rich history and lasting impact of Christian Aid in this captivating photographic exhibition. This event is part of the Beyond Victory season. On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Visit this May and June with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict, more information can be found on the Westminster Abbey website

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chapter-house-and-pyx-chamber/

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults: £31
Children (6–17 years): £14
Child (0–5): Free
Families (1 adult and 1 child): £31
Adults aged 65+ and students: £28
Association members: Free entry (Join the Abbey Association)

Pricing URL: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-entry-times

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Monday - Friday: 10 am – 4:30 pm.
Saturday: 10 am – 2:30 pm.
Sunday: Closed.

Address: Westminster Abbey, Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK

Post Code: SW1P 3PA

Council: Westminster

County: Greater London

Road Access: Through the cloister from Dean’s Yard if you only want to visit the Chapter House. Turn into Dean’s Yard off Broad Sanctuary. Turn left along the square and go through the entrance-way into the cloister.
Train Access: Victoria and Charing Cross both 3⁄4 mile, Waterloo 1 mile.
Bus Access: From surrounding areas.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Tube Access: Westminster and St James’ Park stations both 1⁄4 mile.
Parking: There are no parking facilities at the Abbey and only very limited car parking in the surrounding area. We suggest you visit by public transport because the Abbey is close to train and Underground stations, and is on a number of bus routes.