Westminster Abbey

House of God and House of Kings

Westminster Abbey, Victoria Street, SW1Westminster 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!
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.
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. 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

Coronation Jubilee Concert event Thursday 13th June
TIMES Thursday 13th June 2013
A special concert celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be held at We... More about this event

Tim Wakerell event Sunday 26th May
TIMES Sunday 26th May 2013 - 5.45pm  PRICING Free
The organist performs works by Walton, Elgar and Bliss.... More about this event

Vivat Regina! A Public Lecture By The Rt Revd And Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, Bishop Of London event Friday 7th June
TIMES Friday 7th June 2013 - 6.30pm  PRICING Free
Celebrating the Coronation's 60th anniversary.... More about this event

The Choir Of Westminster Abbey And St James's Baroque event Thursday 13th June
TIMES Thursday 13th June 2013 - 7pm  PRICING £20-£65, adv booking essential
James O'Donnell conducts Purcell's My Heart Is Inditing, Handel's Zadok The Priest, Parry's I Was Glad, Walton's Coronation Te Deum and coronatio... More about this event

Coronation! 1953-2013 event running until Friday 27th September 2013
TIMES 6th May to 27th September 2013 - 10.30am-4pm  PRICING Free, plus admission £18, concs £15, NUS £8, family £36 & £44, under 11s Free accompanied
Photographs marking the 60th anniversary of the Coronation, documenting the pomp and ceremony of the service and the celebrations across the country. ... More about this event

All events at Westminster Abbey