Photograph of stained-glass window made from broken pieces of stained-glass destroyed during the bombings, representing Beyond Victory

Beyond Victory

Upcoming events

On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Join us this May and June as we unpack life beyond victory, with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict.

Black and white photograph of wartime fire watchers on exercise in the triforium of Westminster Abbey

Beyond Victory Tour: Commemorating the Second World War

1st - 9th May 2025

Times vary
The Abbey
£10

Photograph of a fading wartime shelter sign on a building in Westminster

Beyond Victory: Westminster Walking Tour

10th May - 27th June 2025

11.00am - 12.30pm
Cloister entrance
£35

Photograph of Piper windows in St Margaret's Church

Lunchtime Talk: The People's Victory

Wednesday, 14th May 2025

1.00pm - 1.50pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Photograph of people celebrating with their hands in the air, representing 80 years of Christian Aid

Beyond Victory Exhibition: 80 Years of Christian Aid

26th May - 20th June 2025

10.00am - 3.00pm
Chapter House
Included in the price of admission

Photograph of origami crane made of pink paper, with hands holding the wings open

Beyond Victory: Peace Cranes

26th - 30th May 2025

10.00am - 2.00pm
The Abbey
Included in the price of admission

Black and white photograph of three people looking at the destruction from bombs in the Second World War within Westminster Abbey

Beyond Victory Panel: Destruction, Restoration and Commemoration

Tuesday, 27th May 2025

6.30pm - 8.00pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Photograph of illustrated parrot flying through the nave of Westminster Abbey

Beyond Victory Family Activity: Spread your wings

Saturday, 31st May 2025

10.00am - 1.00pm
Chapter House
Booking available from Saturday 3rd May

Close-up photograph of the wording on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey

An Evening with Sir Max Hastings: Commemoration and Remembrance

Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

6.30pm - 7.30pm
The Nave
£20 - £75

Photograph of the back of two visitors looking and pointing at the Battle of Britain window within Westminster Abbey

Abbey Late: Beyond Victory

Wednesday, 4th June 2025

5.30pm - 8.30pm
The Abbey
£15 (Booking available from mid-April)

Photograph of the Battle of Britain stained-glass window in the RAF Chapel, within the Lady Chapel of Westminster Abbey

Lunchtime Talk: Remembering the Second World War

Wednesday, 11th June 2025

1.00pm - 1.50pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Photograph of woman holding a large board as part of a drawing workshop within the gardens of Westminster Abbey

Beyond Victory: Drawing Workshop

Wednesday, 18th June 2025

5.30pm - 8.30pm
The Abbey
£35

Photograph of Piper windows, colourful stained-glass windows, in St Margaret's Church next door to Westminster Abbey

Enhance your visit

As part of your ticket during May and June, there are more opportunities to explore Beyond Victory: 

  • Join a drop-in 10-minute talk with a member of staff about our Memorial of the Month
  • Visit St Margaret's Church to see eye-catching Piper windows (pictured) that replaced damaged stained-glass windows
  • Don't miss the Battle of Britain window, at the back of the Lady Chapel, which is a colourful commemoration to British and allied forces from British and allied forces from around the world
  • Look out for signs explaining the impact of the Second World War on the Abbey
  • Create your own origami crane, a symbol of peace from Japan, on Saturdays throughout May and in half term 

Discover more online

From insightful articles to informative teaching resources, find out about the impact of war and the legacy of peace for Westminster Abbey, the nation and the international community over the last 80 years.

A Priest's Perspective

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey shares his views on regularly asked questions about peace and conflict, including why Christians believe justice is importance for victims, whether forgiveness should always happen and is peace an impossible dream.

Photograph of statue of Justice on the outside of Westminster Abbey

Why do Christians believe justice is important for victims?

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Photograph of dove and the word peace within a stained-glass window within Westminster Abbey

Is peace an impossible dream?

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Photograph of statue memorial to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, as part of the 20th century Modern Martyrs at Westminster Abbey

Should Christians forgive those who do wrong to them?

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Remembering War, Rethinking the Tasks of Peace

Photograph of soldier laying the union flag on the High Altar of Westminster Abbey

This Autumn, Westminster Abbey Institute continues the conversation in the context of public service.

Throughout the Second World War, despite suffering damage in the Blitz, the Abbey remained a sanctuary for public servants and members of armed forces from across the UK and its Allies. After the war, the Abbey continued to offer a place of renewal as new organisations dedicated to international relations were founded around Parliament Square.

This process continues today, 80 years on, as we explore what peace means. Amidst continuing conflict around the world and threats to global cooperation, Westminster Abbey Institute asks: Why remember war? How can public servants balance the pursuit of the ideal with pragmatic realities? What resources can shape the current tasks of peace?

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