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Chapter House & Pyx Chamber

Chapter House, Pyx Chamber and Abbey Museum
Interior of Chapter House (c) English Heritage
Chapter House, Pyx Chamber and Abbey Museum - Interior of Chapter House (c) Wall mural depicting the Apocalypse of St John - Wall mural depicting the Apocalypse of St John (c) Wall painting of the Apocalypse of St John - Wall painting of the Apocalypse of St John (c)

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.

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.

In 2009/10, 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.

Chapter House free to EH members. Under the care and management of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
All year 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Good Fri, 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed  
May be closed at short notice on state and religious occasions  
Major restoration works will take place in 2009/10 which may affect opening times. Please see website for information before planning a visit.  

How much does it cost?

English Heritage Members:
Chapter House free to EH members - Join English Heritage

How do I get there?

Road Access:
Through the cloister from Dean's Yard if you only want to visit theChapter House. Turn into Dean's Yard off Broad Sanctuary. Turn leftalong the square and go through the entrance-way into the cloister
Train Access:
Victoria and Charing Cross both 3⁄4 mile, Waterloo 1 mile
Bus Access:
From surrounding areas
Tube Access:
Westminster and St James’ Park stations both 1⁄4 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
020 7654 4900

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
No dogs allowed
Access:
Access to Chapter House: Access via 10 steps with no handrail.
Access to Pyx Chamber: Down one step and through narrow doorway.
Abbey cloisters: Abbey cloisters are accessible via a ramp but have uneven floor surfaces. Stone benches are provided.
Parking:
In surrounding area but very difficult
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Flower garden open Tuesdays and Thursdays in summer (suggested donation 20p).

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Booking:
No coach parking is provided, but visitors can be dropped off in front of the Abbey and picked up by the Jewel Tower.
Average Length of Visit:
45 minutes.

Further Info

To help you plan your journey to this property please click here
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