The Incredible Royal Tombs of Westminster Abbey (Video)
Westminster Abbey houses the incredible royal tombs that chronicle British history. Its tombs, statues, monuments, and effigies serve as a testament to the changing nature of memorialization over time. Physical burials, once common, are now rare and reserved for the most notable figures, while symbolic memorials and plaques have become the norm. The abbey's complex history of religious affiliation adds to its significance. Originally a Catholic monastery, it transformed into a Protestant cathedral during the English Reformation. The monarchs buried within its walls represent a range of beliefs, reflecting the religious turmoil that shaped England's past.
One notable contrast within the abbey is the juxtaposition of Winston Churchill's tomb and the monument to the Unknown Warrior. Churchill's ornate tomb exemplifies traditional commemoration, while the Unknown Warrior monument symbolizes collective remembrance of unnamed soldiers.
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Top image: Tomb inside Westminster Abbey. Source: Stefano / Adobe Stock.
