Chapter House and Pyx Chamber image

Chapter House and Pyx Chamber

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Heritage building

One of the Top rated Heritage buildings in Westminster


Address

Westminster Abbey, Abingdon St, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Contact

+44 370 333 1181

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (35 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 2:30 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: House (9) Chapter (8) Chamber (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Koen 1 year ago on Google
    The Pyx Chamber dates to the late 11th century, making it the oldest part of Westminster Abbey. The Pyx Chamber formed the undercroft of the monks' dormitory and was used as a monastic and royal treasury. The term pyx refers to the boxwood chest in which coins were kept. The octagonal Chapter House was built between 1245 and 1253 in Geometrical Gothic style. Above the stone benches there are still some murals from the 14th century and above those murals you will see beautiful stained glass windows. In the chapter house the monks gathered to discuss, or be taught by the abbot. The Chapter House later became a meeting place of the King's Great Council and the Commons, predecessors of Parliament. Both are a good example of the history of this church.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John G. 7 years ago on Google
    Spectacular acoustic and serene atmosphere in the middle of frantic city. History envelopes you ....UK's oldest door!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kittyhk c. 4 years ago on Google
    very difficult to find, the exit is on the right hand.side of west minister abbey , but remember not to enter the long path which requires you to check your bags, it's not the correct entrance. english heritage members free.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Martin B. 1 year ago on Google
    Worth a visit, no queue if an English Heritage member. Some quiet areas to explore.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 N. E. 4 years ago on Google
    Woth going in you are English Heritage member. Not worth if you don't.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony C. 11 months ago on Google
    If you are english heritage member you get free access into the chapter house. Just show your membership card to the staff at the entrance and they will lead you in. The chapter house has lots of history and the arches are fabulous. You can chill at the gardens afterwards.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 masuod -. 6 years ago on Google
    Hike
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David 7 years ago on Google
    Good place....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emilio S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The chapter room dates back to the 11th century, the monks gathered here every morning to hear the Rule of St. Benedict. For some years of the s. XIV held its meetings here the House of Commons (Original) La sala capitular data del s.XIII, los monjes se reunían aquí todas las mañanas para escuchar la Regla de San Benito. Durante algunos años del s. XIV celebró aquí sus reuniones la Cámara de los Comunes

  • 4/5 Andy W. 7 months ago on Google
    If you have English Heritage membership you can visit these rooms inside the cloisters at Westminster Abbey without having to buy entrance to the Abbey. Go to the right of the West Door and through the arch and turn left to show the attendant your cards. This gets you into the Cloisters and the Chapter House and Pyx Chamber are off the cloisters walkway. Also here are the Cellarium Café which also has toilets (usually much less used than the public ones). The Chapter House is an fantastic building in it's own right with a single central column rising to a fan vault ceiling. Also do not miss the wall paintings to the left of the entrance which date from the 14C and have representation of camels and even a crocodile in the painting. The Pyx Chamber was the old treasury and apart from the massive vaults the interesting features are the double massive doors with 6 locks to secure the chamber. Off the Cloisters are the Abbey gardens which amazingly for the location, are quite and a great place to have a picnic while being able to see the Palace of Westminster on one side and yet be behind the Abbey walls in an enclosed garden area.

  • 5/5 Yasha B. 7 months ago on Google
    The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber are two of Westminster Abbey's lesser-known gems, but every bit as enthralling as the main church. The Chapter House, with its majestic octagonal design and breathtaking medieval wall paintings, is a testament to the rich history and artistry of the times. As you stand under its soaring ceiling, you feel the weight of centuries' worth of spiritual gatherings and important meetings. It was certainly an experience to walk around the walls and look at the bible scenes depicted on the walls. I wish there was more of an explanation to the scenes past the apocalypse but I was able to find some information to read on my phone as walked around. Make sure not to miss Britains oldest door, built in 1050, and the Norman-style tile work in the center of the chapel!

  • 5/5 cristi c. 10 months ago on Google
    This is one of those places that you make you think about monks and knights and kings and queens. The Pyx chamber was used to keep the king's treasures safe, and the name comes from small boxes containing official samples of gold and silver coinage, which were also kept in here. The room itself is dark, gloomy, and tenebrous but in a good way. Items for past times are kept in good condition here. The chamber is protected by a very thick door, impenetrable for those times. Chapter House is somehow in opposition to Pyx Chamber. It's a very tall room with an amazing stain glass and incredible valuable historical information about events that happen inside the chamber, but also outside, like the effects of the WW II and the damage suffered by the building. It was built in 1250 and used by monks for their meetings, but also by the medieval parliament. One of the most impressive things about this room is the breath-taking seiling. Just check it out, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Just outside the Chapter House is the Britain's oldest door built in circa 1050. The indoor yard has a nice water fountain. What I found different about this foubtain is the green volour of the water. The whole place is part of the English Heritage and can be visited by members for free.

  • 5/5 Paul A. 2 years ago on Google
    Well worth a visit

  • 2/5 Anticinema A. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cool (Original) Bem legal

  • 4/5 Mandadapu malleswara r. 7 years ago on Google
    Must visit

  • 5/5 Hamza A. 5 years ago on Google
    nice

  • 5/5 Divya Dikshant K. 5 years ago on Google
    I love this hotel

  • 5/5 Adrenelle A. 6 years ago on Google
    This place is really amazing. What a must-visit!

  • 5/5 Shannon R. 5 years ago on Google
    Architecture was amazing and so much to look at

  • 5/5 G M. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit especially if you have a Heritage pass


Call +44 370 333 1181 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Buckingham Palace image
1
Buckingham Palace
Cultural landmark
Visitors can tour the palace's opulent private and state rooms or watch the changing of the guard.
4.50 (163.6K reviews)
Hyde Park image
2
Hyde Park
Park
Huge green space, home to Diana Memorial Fountain, with boating and swimming in the Serpentine lake.
4.70 (126.5K reviews)
Madame Tussauds London image
3
Madame Tussauds London
Wax museum
Museum chain for life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities & historic icons in themed galleries.
4.40 (71.3K reviews)
Big Ben image
4
Big Ben
Cultural landmark
16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament.
4.50 (59.9K reviews)
St James's Park image
5
St James's Park
Park
Green space with a lake with daily pelican feeding, a grass-roofed cafe and ceremonial displays.
4.70 (55K reviews)
Last updated:
()