Reinventing Westminster Abbey, 1642–1660: A House of Kings from Revolution to Restoration

Westminster Abbey, unlike other cathedrals, played a pivotal role during England's Civil War and Interregnum (1642–1660), serving as a symbol of legitimacy for non-monarchical regimes. Contrary to widespread assumptions about its destruction, the Abbey was repurposed to support political and religious transitions, including the establishment of the Commonwealth. This study reveals how its 'reclamation' during the Restoration (1660) reflected broader efforts to reinterpret national identity. By analyzing archival records and historical accounts, the research challenges conventional narratives, demonstrating the Abbey's adaptive significance in shaping England's post-revolutionary cultural politics.

MERRITT, J. F. (2015). Reinventing Westminster Abbey, 1642–1660: A House of Kings from Revolution to Restoration. The Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 67(1), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022046914002000