The Monuments of Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey's transformation into a premier site of commemoration during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, driven by the Reformation and civil wars, is revealed through a critical history of its monuments. The study highlights how tourism shaped the Abbey's response, including the use of signs, guides, and publications to facilitate visits, making monument viewing a popular London pastime. This work provides a methodology for studying memory in British culture, offering insights into the habits of commemoration in premodern society through an analysis of royal tombs, Poets' Corner, and military monuments. The inclusion of 32 illustrations, including early modern reproductions, underscores the vibrancy and significance of these commemorative practices.

Sherlock, P. (2025). The Monuments of Westminster Abbey. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003344506