Westminster Abbey Museum facts for kids
The Westminster Abbey Museum was a special place in London, England. It was located deep underground in an old stone room called a vaulted undercroft. This room was beneath where monks used to sleep at Westminster Abbey. This part of the Abbey is very old, almost as old as the church itself. The church was built by Edward the Confessor way back in 1065. This underground space was used as a museum for over 100 years, starting in 1908.
What Was Inside?
The museum had many interesting things on display. One unique collection was royal and other funeral effigies. An effigy is like a life-sized model, often made to look like a person who has passed away. These effigies were sometimes carried in funeral processions.
Royal Effigies and Treasures
The museum showed the funeral saddle, helm (helmet), and shield of King Henry V. There were also effigies of other important rulers, including:
- King Edward III
- King Henry VII and his queen, Elizabeth of York
- King Charles II
- King William III
- Queen Mary II
- Queen Anne
Besides the effigies, the museum also displayed other treasures. These included pieces of medieval stained glass and parts of 12th-century sculptures. You could also see Queen Mary II's coronation chair. There were even replicas, or copies, of the coronation regalia. These are the special items used when a king or queen is crowned.
England's Oldest Altarpiece
Later, a very old and important piece of art was added to the museum. This was the Westminster Retable, which dates back to the late 1200s. It is England's oldest altarpiece. An altarpiece is a work of art placed behind the altar in a church. This one was probably made for the main altar of Westminster Abbey. Even though it had been damaged over many centuries, experts carefully cleaned and restored it.
Where Is It Now?
The Westminster Abbey Museum is now closed. It has been replaced by a new and exciting exhibition called the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries. These galleries are located high up in the triforium of the main Abbey building. The triforium is a special walkway or gallery above the ground floor of a church.
