Page 30 - WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE DISCOVERING ENGLAND

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Westminster’s

ROYAL WEDDINGS

The History of Fairy Tale Nuptials in Westminster Abbey
By Sharon Whitley Larsen

any of us vividly recall the excitement of The 2011 marriage of William and Catherine, now the Duke
Prince William and Kate Middleton's lavish and Duchess of Cambridge, was only the 16th royal wedding to
Mwedding in April 2011. take place in the Abbey, which was founded in 960. Formally
Who doesn't enjoy watching the magical ceremony of a royal titled the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Bene-
wedding? Especially in famed, historic Westminster Ab- dictine monks were established here in the mid-10th century.
bey, where many of Britain’s monarchs have been married, Edward the Confessor dedicated the Abbey to St. Peter, and
crowned, and buried. Always tops on a London tourist list, its consecration was held on Dec. 28, 1065. William the Con-
over one million visit it annually. It’s open for tours, church queror was crowned King William I in the Abbey on Christmas
services, Evensongs, and organ concerts.
Day 1066—the first of 38 royal coronations. Queen Elizabeth
But it’s actually been the scene of relatively few royal weddings. II’s was the first coronation televised, on June 2, 1953.

30 Wine Dine & Travel Winter 2014