Chapter House & Pyx Chamber, London (London)

13th Century Chapter House of Westminster Abbey.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

Built by the royal masons in 1250, the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey was originally used in the 13th century by Benedictine monks for their daily meetings. It later became a meeting place of the King's Great Council and the Commons, predecessors of today's Parliament.

History to the present day

A beautiful octagonal building with a vaulted ceiling and delicate central column, it offers rarely seen examples of medieval sculpture, an original floor of glazed tiles and spectacular wall paintings. The 11th century Pyx Chamber also has a medieval tiled floor, and was used as a monastic and royal treasury. It contains a 13th century stone altar which survived the Reformation.

Conservation repairs will continue to take place to the external historic fabric of the Chapter House. A major programme of work, funded by English Heritage, comprises repairs to the roof, gutters, stonework on the elevations and flying buttresses, and repairs to the lead light glazing - thus preserving this highly significant and special building for future generations.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Chapter House & Pyx Chamber, London, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

All year: 10am-4pm, Mon - Sun.

Good Friday, 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

May be closed at short notice on state and religious occasions

Admission prices:

Chapter House free to EH members

All photographs courtesy of English Heritage photographic library.