Henry III commissioned the building of the abbey in 1245, replacing a church built by Edward the Confessor.

All English sovereigns since William the Conqueror have been crowned at the Abbey with the exception of Edward VIII.

Many notable British names have been put to rest here, most notably Sir Isaac Newton, David Livingstone, and Charles Darwin.

A part of the south transept, which is also known as the Poets' Corner, houses the tombs of numerous poets, writers and other literati.

The Abby's next historic moment, the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton, will take place on April 29th.