Westminster Abbey

House of God and House of Kings

Westminster Abbey, Victoria Street, SW1

Westminster Abbey does not welcome ‘Da Vinci Code’ tours, so you’ll have to follow that last part of the London trail alone with the help of a few pointers from us.

Listed below is what to look out for and where... Good luck!

Newton’s Tomb

When Langdon and Sophie finally crack the code they realise that the knight they seek is, in fact, Sir Isaac Newton. They speed to Westminster Abbey where they know they will find his grave. They quickly locate the tomb of the great scientist on the north side of the nave.

The tomb is exactly as described in the novel; Newton is reclining regally in classical robes atop a huge black marble sarcophagus, leaning on a pile of his works. There is a pyramid behind, on which there is a celestial globe depicting the signs of the zodiac.

The Chapter House

While examining the monument for clues – they discover a note from the Teacher. It instructs them to follow him into the Chapter House and out into the public garden where he has Teabing captive. The foolish duo takes the Teacher at his word, following the evil mastermind into a dead end. Here, in a tense showdown, the identity of their adversary is finally revealed.

The walls of the octagonal Chapter House are covered with murals of the Final Judgement. Ornate tile work and original Victorian stained glass adorn the area. It was here that King Henry III’s Great Council convened for the first time in 1257; in effect the beginning of English Parliament. The Chapter House was used by the House of Commons until the 14th century, when they moved to the Palace of Westminster where they’ve sat ever since.

The End

This is the end of the London leg of 'The Da Vinci' tour.

If you want to continue the journey on to its next stage in Edinburgh, why not opt for a tailor-made day trip by rail. Book tickets

In the meantime, happy sleuthing!

Current events at Westminster Abbey

The Choir Of Westminster Abbey/St James's Baroque event Thursday 24th May
TIMES Thursday 24th May 2012 - 7pm PRICING £10-£40
James O'Donnell conducts Bach's Motet 'Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied' and Handel's Motet 'Silete Veni' and Ode For Saint Cecilia's Day. With... More about this event