Dan Snow Uncovers The Secrets Of Westminster Abbey
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- čas přidán 29. 05. 2024
- Exploring The Incredible Royal Tombs Of Westminster Abbey
In this video, historian Dan Snow joins Sir David Cannadine to explore the complex history of religious affiliation at Westminster Abbey, which has evolved from being a Catholic monastery to a Protestant cathedral, with monarchs buried at the site representing a range of beliefs. He also discusses the various tombs, statues, monuments, and effigies in the abbey, highlighting how the process of memorialization has changed over time, with physical burials now rare and reserved for the most notable figures. Cannadine also takes viewers on a tour of the tombs, noting the juxtaposition of Winston Churchill's tomb and the Unknown Warrior's monument, and discussing how modes of commemoration and celebration continue to evolve in the 21st century.
This episode was filmed before the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
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As a retired American soldier, I am struck by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and the respect and deference afforded to him. The American Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery is guarded by sentinels with the same respect and deference that Abbey Dean Ryle put forth in the aftermath of World War I towards this most apt crypt in the Abbey.
I visited Westminster Abbey in 2016 and was awestruck then by its history. Since then, I've done my best to learn more about it and those who are interred there.
I am a medieval history nut and visiting Westminster Abbey is a thrill. You feel weight of history as you walk about the place and seeing the tombs of Edward I, Edward the Confessor, Richard II, Henry Tudor, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and many others feels almost surreal. Walking down the aisle towards the where Kings and Queens have been crowned from William the Conquerer to our current monarch was an emotional experience and I recommend anyone interested in history to visit as you will not be disappointed.
Ditto. There is a stone commemorating a Thomas Seymour who reportedly lived for over a hundred years. Seeing the lives of 9 princes. Edward Iv, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I and died in the early part of James I. Incredible.
Yes I suppose British/ English history must be like being in a sweetie shop for an American…so much to choose from .!!! . I too am an Early Mediaeval history buff.and feel very privileged to be English… 😊
Feeling the weight of history puts it perfectly. I went to Versaille and, though quite a few hundred years older, the feeling of walking the same halls as historical figures is so fascinating.
I could only imagine
I will put it on my list thanks ,I'm a history nut as well ,👍
I love that this isn’t a boring interview, with cringe silent moments and dumb questions to gain time. This is legit an interesting conversation between two gentlemen’s that both have a great appreciation for history. This is what I love to see.
You must pay for it.....
It’s thrilling to see the intense energy and obvious love for his topic. In an era of ennui and a lack of appreciation for history, there are still incredible scholars who make our lives more meaningful. Thank you from a Californian who must have lived previous lives in wonderful England!
I could listen to Sir David Cannadine all day. Obviously passionate about the subject and very knowledgable. I enjoyed this immensely. Thank you
He makes obvious errors, e.g. "had Mary married...". She was literally married.
@@monkeytennis8861 he also said "and had children", so he wasn't wrong mr smarty pants.
@@monkeytennis8861 ratio
I was saddened by the end, when he remembered the ethnic replacement that’s going on
@@monkeytennis8861 He also said, "If Mary had SIRED children." Only a man can sire a child. Women give birth. I caught him in other errors. Too bad.
From halfway across the world the Abbey, in and of itself, was worth the trip.
Staggering.
Agree 🙏🙏👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
A private tour here, like this, would definitely be on the top of my fantasy bucket list! I could spend endless days here...
☮️💜
History is so powerful, without it we are just nothing!
Very true. If we don't know where we have been we don't know where we are going.
So many people now have noIDEA OF THE HISTORY…
I went to Westminster Abbey with my family and a mate for my 18th birthday and it was one of the best experiences of my life
Could spend hours learning and seeing bits of the Abbey and never get bored.
Me too I want to see more of the tombs and less of them
I know I'm late to the party but I have to say Sir David's dry sense of humor is fantastic! "Do you see how they're not looking at one another? That's not an accident." He doesn't just relay information, he brings it all to life!
As an American I found this fascinating! This man is exceptionally knowledgeable and very easy to understand. Thank you for posting this!
Sir David is not only knowledgeable and passionate, there's also a deep regard.
at 25:40 when he says "Churchills right hand man" on the pillar behind him is an USA Medal of Honor given in thanks for WWII.
@@westberryjimcorrect!
David has perfected the cadence of the aged history professor. Bravo
That could be because he is an aging Professor of history…??🤔🇬🇧
My only criticism is that the focus odds kept on the two chaps rather than the items they are talking about a majority of the time. Seems like an odd way to present it.
Came here to say this. I loved the talk they had, but I found myself quite frustrated that I couldn’t see what they were talking about.
Dan, please keep doing these, but please show us what’s being talked about, else it’s just a lecture.
Agreed. Marvellous fascinating talk, but a few more shots of what was being talked about would have been nice.
Perfect for radio, in fact
Cameraman was lazy, he should've taken shots that focus on the subjects after the interview and have them edited in in post production like other documentaries.
Yes, but I didn't mind looking at Mr. Dan Snow. Nope, I didn't mind at all. 😉
One of the many things I’m so glad to be British is the history on our doorsteps..I love learning about history so having this amount of amazing historical evidence is just beautiful
Have traveled twice to London (from Australia) and this magnificent place has been a highlight for me. I could walk through it every day if I lived in London and never tire of it - just incredible.
Sir David really knows his stuff and speaks about it most fluently and entertainingly.
I had the great opportunity to work on the Abbey back in the early 90s replacing all the stone carving and have one fond memory of lying on the top of the vaulted ceiling making ghost noises though the small hole at the top for my colleague working below.
Watching this the day before the Queens funeral. I'm American and married to a Brit. I adore history and this video has taught me a great deal in so little time. Many thanks.
Yes. Watching this in the American southeast. Very enjoyable.
0:58 I cannot be the only person who is unreasonably fascinated by old things like that.
James I am fascinated by what men and women have achieved over the centuries. The skill and the artistry is remarkable .
A 1000 year old door is amazing! Don't know how it survived but history is the better for it as we get a glimpse of the past. (And yes, I'd love to feel the grain of the wood.)
I remember my first visit to London. Our first visit was to the Abby. I internally gasped. It is awe inspiring. I like to linger and go slowly, taking in everything I can. There was no way we could have seen it all in one day. We have been back several times since. It always leaves me in awe, probably always will.
A tiny bit envious but I'll have to do my own tour.
So well said 🙏🙏👵👵🇦🇺🇦🇺
It’s the greatest building I’ve ever seen
One of my ancestors Edmund Spenser was buried in poets corner. I'd love to go visit someday. Thanks for this, I'm fascinated by British history. Westminster Abbey really is the heart of Britian
A very great poet. I salute him! 👏
I am a direct descendant of Geoffrey Chaucer. He is buried in the poets corner too. 😊
I watched this program a month or so, before actually visiting. It’s very surreal when you are actually there, seeing and experiencing all these two great historians were talking about. Just marvelous!
I love Western history particular the United Kingdom...
Watching from the Philippines !
Two great historians here joining forces to bring us a fact filled tour of this most extraordinary building. Well done to Dan and Sir David! ❤️❤️👍
Absolutely. I just love their talk🤗
Just casually strolling past Sir Isaac Newton was impressive.
And the rest of the important people that are there and the history that comes with them all is amazing.
My ancestor was there, half brother to William the Conquerer, Robert De Bourge.
@@Jenifer_G The bloke to Williams left on the Tapestry?
So much history it blows my mind. Fascinating. Admire people who can remember it all. One day I will visit this mighty building.
It was so wonderful to listen to this conversation. I did find myself throughout though wishing that the camera would be filming what they were discussing instead of just closeup shots of the two of them.
Yes, it was incredibly frustrating that, as they talk about the royal tombs, we're just looking at them, with only brief glimpses of said tombs.
Same
Thing is though- they want you to go see for yourself.😩
@@robharris8844U Well maybe some people can't afford to so this is the only way they can be able to see it but presenters ruined that by keeping cameras strictly on them.
@@sammyandoliver7522 problem people will not get up and see these things unless they are intrigued - as a lot of people are lazy or want everything for free. If you are really interested you will try to go see, if not you won't. Business is business.😏😩
Thank you for a wonderful tour of the Abbey. I’m amazed by the oldest door , that’s real history.
I am an American but am absolutely fascinated by English history. I’ve had the privilege to enjoy visiting Westminster Abbey twice (1999 and 2014). I think there is one grave of a man buried standing up, with just a small square marker over his head. He made it!
What a treat. Thank you.
Sir David is the most desirable man to lead videos like this. Knowledgeable, great teacher
A man whose books figured as a large part of my dissertation. Cool guy is Cannadine.
Kingston was the first place I ever lived - it's covered in Royal history past and present. I feel blessed to be where I am. We also have a great Anglo-Saxon settlement here that was recently uncovered a few decades ago - it's rich with history.
Westminster Abbey is very Beautiful. 🇨🇦
I really loved Sir David Cannadine presenting this information - he is so relaxed and easy to understand, as well as knowledgable and entertaining ☺️ Dan was really good at interviewing as well! Lead the conversation really nicely!
Having been there amid a throng of visitors, appreciate this quiet and intimate look at the Abbey.
I love this! They have a casual conversational tone but both are so knowledgeable! Sir David Cannadine especially conveys his immense historical knowledge but in a way that is not condescending or talking down to someone. He talks as one who is passionate about history talking to another who is passionate about history.
I enjoy that as well. I love history. Great video.
Perfectly worded ..
AMEN !
What an amazing video. I visted Westminster Abbey many years ago and stood in awe of its immense size, stunning architecture, but more impressively, the earthly remains of those with such historical significance. I feel as if I've been granted a private tour of one of Britain's greatest treasures. May I say a sincere thank you from an American Anglophile with deep ancestral roots in the UK.
Everywhere there are Tombs are Burials done , The Church is So Huge , there are so many things to Look at, This Church is Indeed Amazing!!
One day hopefully I'll have the priviledge to Visit.
The disappointing thing is they didn't film the tombs and objects they were talking about as much as filming the people talking, frustrating
I so agree!
I was going to say the same thing!!
Absolutely agree. I've re watched and it is really, really annoying. In the middle of all this wonderful splendor, we have to watch these two talking and looking at the things we would like to see. Poorly done.
I kept rewinding it thinking where’s Elizabeth’s and Mary’s tombs? 🤦🏻♀️
maybe the "royal peculiar" status is to blame and the queen enacted by already standing charter to "The Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster" a simple ban of display of any royal predecessor unless it is a documentation approved by the Dean and Chapter.
just my guess....
I’m Irish and I love Westminster abbey.. super tour Dan .
Much appreciated
Stunning , the best church I have ever seen ,the best in all over the world , No doubt of that 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💜💜💜✨✨✨
They have periodic liturgies at Westminster Abbey inside Saint Edward's shrine. I happened to be visiting the Abbey with my mother (we're Roman Catholic) and we were invited up into the shrine area for prayers. It was quite a wonderful experience.
Thank you - this was my experience in 2017 as well.
That’s wonderful to know. The abbey was never deconsecrated so we who are Catholic still treat it just as we would any other church with a Saint’s tomb. And I love my Protestant brothers and sisters, it’s great to be living in a time where we just let each other have our own beliefs without hate.
I love the passion of the historian, as i non English person, i really enjoy this, its like I'm a child being told a bedtime story, i want to hear more and not sleep!
This was fantastic and quite moving. The fact that no-one can walk over the tomb of the Unknown soldier is simply beautuful! I could listen to Sir David all day.
Well the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the only one that actually matters, as it is more of a symbol of the sacrifice of every person for the upholding of freedom than a memorial to a life or material accomplishment.
It is the same here in the US. The Tomb of the Unknown solider is a monument guarded 24/7/365 and only accessible in warmer months. You cannot walk on it and the present day guards will become quite loud and forceful if you try to tread on their last resting place.
Another interesting tidbit of history - both the solider in the Tomb of the Unknown (UK) and the Tomb of the Unknown solider (US) both received the highest form of recognition from both the US and Britain. The Medal of Honor and the Victorian Cross.
Unknown warrior so he could be anyones son army navy or raf. Soldier suggests army
@@williammacrae6119 He's a soldier, 3 bodies were found on a battlefield in France, put in identical nondescript coffins in a nearby chapel. Then an officer, or someone similar, went into the chapel and chose one coffin at random and that is the coffin buried in Westminster Abbey. I watched a programme about it back duing the centenery memorials for WW1.
The only thing that can be said for certain about him is that he is not an officer, I think.
I also remember hearing about a court case where the family of a missing soldier sued for a DNA test to find out if he was their relative, but I can't remember if that was the UK occupant or the American.
@@SevCaswell its the unknown warrior so the mothers and fathers of all fallen who never got a named grave ciuld grieve in the knowledge that it might be their child regardless of branch of service. Thats the whole point of the unknown warrior. Its rather important. Not a soldier a warrior nameless in service and death.
that guy was the best. british. very british. most fun I've had on yt in a while. thank you kindly! he's an excellent historian.
I’m an American-Filipina but I truly enjoyed this first class tour of Westminster Abbey very much. I love history and this is absolutely one educational journey. Thank you!
I do to i visited love I love history
An " American-Filipina?" You mean you have divided allegiance between two countries?
@@retroguy9494 you obviously don’t understand.
@@swtpaige1004 Trust me; I FULLY understand. America became a great nation by those people who fully abandoned their countries of origin when coming here for a new life. They assimilated and WANTED to do such. They wanted to be and WERE proud to be Americans in every facet.
I am of predominantly German heritage. However, I have NEVER called myself, nor have any of my family going back Generations an 'Amero-German' or a -Germo-American' or a 'German-American.' I am ONLY an American and proud to be one. Period full stop. I would not have it any other way.
@@retroguy9494 good for you!
I grew up here in America and I am proud to be an American. However, I believe the saying, “never forget where you came from” phrase. My roots is Filipino and will never forget that. In fact, I am proud to have Filipino roots and even instill that to my children to never be ashamed of their ancestral blood.
The fellow showing him around the abbey is a remarkable host and speaks very eloquently. Easy listening and learning. Thank you.
Love how this was done I'd love more presentations like this. Both Dan and David
I’d love for the camera man to have actually shown us the tombs they were talking about.
Thank you! It's marvellous to be walked through the rich history of Westminster Abbey.
Wonderful. How I’d love to go into all areas the public is no longer allowed. And I could listen to Sir David for hours!
We’re very fortunate to have such a man sharing his knowledge with us.
Love the accent !! amazing !! I can listen whole day !!
I have barely begun this, but seeing Sir David fully appreciate the history just of that wooden door says this is worth watching. He’s not going to just regurgitate text, he’s going to wallow in history and take us with him!
I completely agree, well said; just so you know though, that man isn't Sir David, but is Dan Snow
I hated him touching that door.😊
I must agree with viewers who below criticised the fact that instead of SHOWING the tombs and mausoleums being spoken about, we mainly only see the two gentlemen speaking. Undoubtably interesting, what could have been an excellent documentary, regrettably was not.
My thoughts exactly,..
Can anybody point me in the direction for that type of documentary
Yeah they should have pointed the camera At What they're talking ,
for eg : The Tomb Room was insane ....
Henry was a briliant architect back then with no 3D Cad softwares.
@@jarjamz5916
You could visit the Website of Westminster Abbey - there are descriptions and photos of the tombs. I don't know of a video tour, there might be one here on CZcams, but you'll have to do your own research, sorry.
@@jarjamz5916 you might like the channel Absolute history , they have nice posts
Fantastic documentary. I visited the Abbey on a trip from Canada a few years ago and admittedly knew little about it in advance. I just thought of it as a church with some very beautiful architecture so I was amazed to learn about the history of the building and the incredible tombs and memorials inside. It unexpectedly ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. I learned a lot more from this discussion, so thank you!
What a magnificent church. I love history and to see it in all of its glory is amazing. I enjoyed hearing about the royal side of it all and the way sir David told the story with so much respect.
I am a medieval history nut. This documentary about Westminster Abbey is wonderfully done. Thank you Dan and Sir David. I enjoy your knowledge of history.
I love them almost whispering while in the area of Edward the Confessor.
What a delightful fellow Sir David is. I thoroughly enjoyed his commentary, and I do look forward to visiting Westminster again.
You should have included the Bernini inspired tomb of Sir Joseph NIghtingale on the outside of the abbey! The statue of him defending his dying wife from the spectre of Death is amazing!
i could listen to that guy all day. so much knowledge
I got to finally go to westminister when I was visiting my mum. Standing in the center and looking up makes you feel so small but also in awe in being surrounded by so much history.
I was wondering what the slab surrounded by artificial red flowers was when I watched a rerun of Queen Elizabeth's funeral earlier this week. To give such a high honor to an unknown as a symbol of the people who sacrificed themselves for the kingdom is amazing. I'm American, but with strong European genetics, a quarter being British from my grandma, who was a Londoner, 5 years older than the queen. She lived to the good old age of 93. Maybe someday, I can visit the Abbey myself.
Racist.
seeing all my ancestors buried there is amazing ty
Who knew so much history would have taken place in the abbey within a year of filming this!
It is ever so. There are things here that I could show you known for centuries and recorded, but almost forgotten; other things dating back to the Cosmati, once known to the Freemasons but otherwise forgotten: "If you can wisely read what is here laid down, the Ends of the Earth will be open to you..." ( in Latin, of course, then long concealed and deliberately destroyed...)
I wept when I saw the tomb of Elizabeth I. She has been my hero since I was a teenager, many years ago.
It might be a good idea to film more of what the presenters are looking at, rather than the presenters. "Here's this amazing thing that has me in awe, right off camera."
The level of knowledge & passion displayed by the host is worthy of respect. I could listen to him for hours without even blink. Beautiful place.
Thank you for putting this out. I watched this video and then when I saw the Queen's funeral, I felt like I had insider knowledge to the structure. When they walked around the tomb of the unknown soldier, I knew why they walked around it. It was never acknowledged what it was but knew. So thank you for this video.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the Abbey and it is absolutely spectacular. The history it contains is just astounding. Fantastic documentary.
Sir Cannadine is truly a great scholar. I appreciate his sharing of information on Westminster Abbey. Well done!
Does he have an email that one could contact him I would like to ask him some questions.
years ago when I was first on holiday in London it became a daily habit to get into the Abbey before the crowds and wander through the tombs there - such an awesome place
Show the tombs more.would like to see what they look like
What about the Scientist's corner, particularly the grave of Charles Darwin?
seeing this church is on my bucket list. ❤️❤️
I was lucky enough to live in England on 3 occasions and was able to visit the monarchs tombs. You could feel the antiquity in your bones. A highlight were the tombs of the two Tudor queens. Fabulous coverage of the abbey.
Honestly I have no words. Absolutely incredible. God how I would love to see it in person. It has to be the kind of place where you would be like " am I really standing here???" Thankyou learned alot.
Yes, you really do ask yourself that when you realize where you are and the incredible history that surrounds you. Istopped and realized that I was walking on the same floor as Monarchs and royalty. The coronation chair was AWESOME. Evey King and Queen has sat in that chair for a thousand years (give or take.) Very humbling.
@@susantegner3741 I have to go there!!!! Thankyou ❤
@@shonacole2124 😊
@@susantegner3741 😊
@@susantegner3741
The coronation chair was made for Edward I, who was king from 1272 - 1307. It was his father Henry III who rebuilt the Abbey.
After the end of a European tour, my family and I toured the Abbey as one of the activities of my birthday. Will go down as one of my top 3 bdays ever! My only regret is that I hadn’t done my ancestry when I visited. Now I realize that half my ancestors are buried there, including some Kings & Queens. Guess this American is just gonna have to go back. London is such an amazing city. Thanks for showcasing the Abbey & letting me see it when I’m so far away!!!
Sir David cannadine I could listen to you all day
Loved listening to Sir David Cannadine, a wonderful and witty speaker.
William Wilberforce is a hero in our home!! A man every person here in the states and in Britain should know.
He is very well known in the UK
I want at least three more hours of this! Excellent production and very informative. I have spent many a year studying this Abbey and hats off to you for bringing yet another perspective on it's history!
Anytime I come to this place, I'm always awestruck by how magnificent it looks know the outside, and how it blows your mind with the stunning interior
This is the only way I would ever be able to see inside the Abbey. Was very fascinating and to learn some of the history about it. Plus to see some of the famous people who are buried inside.
Absolutely rife with history and relevance. The craftsmanship of nearly every surface you can see is beyond description for beauty and expertise. Truly mind blowing. Thank you for this outstanding video!
that's some old ass door, I wish I could travel back through time and see all the crazy stuff that's happened
Opening, closing, knocking. Mental.
@@monkeytennis8861 I don't mean just the door, like the people and royalty and secret meetings and stuff
Yep.. imagine all the people have walked through that door.. I love history
I came across this video and its beautiful, and its also the place where the late Queen Elizabeth had her funeral service on September 19, 2022, Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth. I was very amazed how her coffin was lowered from a pully to the grounds below but later that evening Queen Elizabeth was taken to King George Memorial Chapel where she is beside her husband Prince Phillip and along side her sister and parents.
Dan Snow, I would like to say that you sound incredibly like Tom Scott. Really enjoyed this doco on Westminster Abbey.
I would like to have a guided tour with Sir David Cannadine, he knows how to tell history in such a way that what he says stays in the head...
This was amazingly wonderful, so full of history. The gentleman doing the tour knows the Abbey, A to Z. bravo and well done, sirs! Thank you. ❤️
I was there 1 months ago. I tripped over a grave in the corridors outside. The church is very crowded with graves and statues. It is a beautiful building.
They’re not corridors, they’re the cloisters, where monks used to exercise, read and pray. There’s a room off the cloisters where funerary effigies of various royals are on show, hundreds of years old including, if memory serves, one of Henry V’s French queen, Catherine.
I’d love to visit the unknown warriors grave for my birthday and it will happen
Absolutely fascinating
I have been to Westminster Abbey in 1980 with my parents. We loved it and was amazed at the history and tombs that were in there. Thank you for sharing this video.
Best tour of Westminster Abbey on the internet. Thanks for posting.
Many thanks, Sir David and Dan - well done!. This presentation brought back many memories of the two visits that I was so fortunate to have made to the Abbey (2005 & 2011). Both times I purchased the the verger conducted tours. The first was on a vacation while still single, The second was with my wife. It is an experience that I wanted to share with her. While she was unsure of going into a Protestant church, being Catholic, the verger put her mind at ease explaining that it was originally a Catholic abbey, and any Catholics in the group were most welcome.
Absolutely beautiful!!! Wish I could see it !❤❤❤
I have stood in Westminster and been in awe of the history that was all around me, of the Kings and Queens entombed there, of the great men and women memorialized there and the overwhelming beauty of the Abbey. How special to be in my home in Canada and enjoy a return visit with Sir David Cannadine as my guide. A truly brilliant production. Thank you.
This was very interesting but just barely scratches the surface. As a poor working American, (who can only dream of visiting), loves this history, I would love to see more, especially the early kings effigies and memorials.
Id love to get in there and spend hours looking at so much history
My husband and I will be visiting the Abbey this May during our 30th wedding anniversary trip to London and Paris!