We found Westminster Abbey to be nearly overwhelming in the amount of history, artifacts, tombs, memorials, statues, etc. contained there. 

In 960 AD, the first Benedictine Monks settled at Westminster.

Since the time of William the Conqueror in 1066, the Abbey has been the nation's "Coronation church".  It is also the burial and memorial place of numerous famous figures from the last one thousand years.

We were very lucky to have been given a special tour by an Abbey Verger, who for an hour and a half, led us on a journey of eighteen hundred years, to a time when the site was a Roman Fort.  Then on through it's pagan days, until it's present day stature.  The Verger guide, rambled off dates, history and details of various queens, kings, and historical characters, as if he knew them all personally. . .What an amazing journey it was.

We were allowed a rare glimpse behind the alter, and witnessed the tomb of Edward the Confessor (died in 1066).  To us DaVinci Code buffs, Sr. Isaac Newton isn't there after all.  But he is on the left side of the alter itself. 

*Note - The Dean of Westminster offers a class on the Facts and Fiction surrounding DaVinci Code.

Imagine my awe, at being able to place my hand on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I, buried side by side, with her half-sister, Queen Mary.   Although of different faiths in life, they are together in death.  The tomb they are in, has a marble effigy of Elizabeth only.

Henry VII is also entombed at the Abbey, as is Mary Queen of Scots.

In all, there are 29 Kings and Queens buried or entombed at Westminster.

The abbey contains a Poet's corner - Where the remains of a number of poets, writers, and musicians are buried.  They include Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, Handel, and many others.

In addition to Sr. Isaac Newton, they have buried in the floor just 60 feet away, Charles Darwin.  Yes, as inconceivable as many may think - it's true.  As our tour Verger stated, "He was a scientist after all."