HM The Queen visits Abbey's Sacristy project

Her Majesty became the project's Patron in June

The Queen was met by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who along with the architect behind the project, Ptolemy Dean, showed her the site of the new building, which is being constructed on the footprint of the Abbey’s former medieval Great Sacristy. There, she saw some of the archaeological finds made on the site, including dozens of burials. Among these is a remarkably well-preserved chalk-lined grave believed to belong to an 11th-century monk.

A modern welcome on a medieval footprint 

Designed in sympathy with the Abbey's Gothic architecture, the new building will reflect the history of the original Sacristy by freeing the Abbey for worship and pilgrimage. It will house state-of-the-art welcome, ticketing and security facilities, replacing those currently occupying the north transept, and will serve as a gathering place on state occasions. 

The project will also see visitors and worshippers following in the footsteps of royalty by entering the Abbey through the Great West Door – the ceremonial entrance used for royal weddings, funerals and coronations for centuries. From here, they will enjoy magnificent views of the full length of the church and be inspired by the Abbey as it really is: a House of God and a House of Kings.

A tour of the Abbey 

After viewing the Sacristy site, Her Majesty was given a tour of the Abbey church where she met some of the staff who welcome visitors throughout the year, and saw the impact of the visitor infrastructure which is currently housed there. She then visited the historic Jerusalem Chamber where she was briefed further on the project and met supporters and members of the project team.

Preserving the Abbey in all its beauty and wonder