Corridors of Power (Westminster Abbey, London) | Series 17 Episode 1 | Time Team
Time Team Classics・40 minutes read
Westminster Abbey, known for hosting coronations and state funerals, has a missing sacristy that was crucial for storing valuable items and was accidentally discovered in 1869. Despite challenges in identifying it archaeologically, historical documents confirm its planned existence, with the search revealing medieval structures and potential earlier burials, shedding light on Westminster's archaeological past and early history.
Insights
- Geophysical surveys reveal potential wall lines matching historical plans of Henry III's missing sacristy, a secure space for valuable items.
- Discoveries at Westminster Abbey, including medieval artifacts and Saxon tiles, shed light on its early history and the complex search for the 13th-century sacristy, revealing layers of historical significance.
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Recent questions
What is the historical significance of Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is renowned for hosting coronations and state funerals, housing the tombs of monarchs, poets, architects, and politicians. It holds a rich history dating back to the 13th century when King Henry III initiated its construction, making it a symbol of royal and religious importance in England.
How was the sacristy discovered at Westminster Abbey?
The missing sacristy at Westminster Abbey, a crucial part of Henry III's original design, was accidentally discovered in 1869. It was believed to house valuable treasures and was found through a complex process involving geophysical surveys, historical documents, and archaeological excavations.
What purpose did the sacristy serve at Westminster Abbey?
The sacristy at Westminster Abbey was meant to be a secure space for storing valuable items, featuring stone vaults and secure doors. It played a vital role in preparing for royal ceremonies by providing ample space for robes, storage, sorting, and changing before important events.
What challenges were faced in identifying the sacristy archaeologically?
The search for the sacristy at Westminster Abbey was complicated by later constructions and renovations on the site, including post-medieval buildings that were constructed on top of the sacristy. Despite these challenges, geophysical surveys revealed potential wall lines matching historical plans of the sacristy.
What recent discoveries shed light on Westminster Abbey's early history?
Recent discoveries at Westminster Abbey include medieval artifacts, Victorian cellars, and evidence of the original raft of the abbey, dating back to the 13th century. These findings, along with Saxon tiles and pottery, hint at the abbey's early history and potential links to Dunstan's church, providing insights into Westminster's archaeological past.
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Summary
00:00
Uncovering Westminster Abbey's Hidden 13th-Century Sacristy
- Westminster Abbey is known for hosting coronations and state funerals, containing the tombs of monarchs, poets, architects, and politicians.
- King Henry III initiated the construction of Westminster Abbey in the 13th century, which was a costly project.
- The missing sacristy, a significant part of Henry III's original design, is the focus of the search.
- The sacristy was believed to house valuable treasures and was accidentally discovered in 1869.
- The search for the sacristy is complicated by later constructions and renovations on the site.
- Geophysical surveys reveal potential wall lines that match historical plans of the sacristy.
- The sacristy was meant to be a secure space for storing valuable items, with features like stone vaults and secure doors.
- Despite challenges in identifying the sacristy archaeologically, historical documents confirm its planned existence.
- Discoveries in the trenches include Victorian cellars and medieval artifacts, indicating centuries of usage on the site.
- The search for the sacristy is a complex process involving sifting through layers of history to uncover the 13th-century structure.
15:40
"Medieval relics and structures at abbey"
- Pilgrims from far and wide visited to seek spiritual power from Edward the Confessor's body.
- The stone shell made of purple marble is what remains of the decorative detail.
- Henry collected relics like Christ's thorn and saints' bones, necessitating a large sacristy.
- Medieval pottery found dates back to 1230-1270, aligning with the abbey's construction in 1245.
- Evidence of the original raft of the abbey and medieval walls has been discovered.
- The search for Henry III's lost sacristy involves uncovering medieval structures.
- Post-medieval buildings were constructed on top of the sacristy, delaying its discovery.
- The abbey's design, including Henry III's chapel, showcases intricate craftsmanship.
- The search for the sacristy involves interpreting Victorian foundations and medieval walls.
- Potential earlier burials hint at a pre-Edward the Confessor church on the site.
30:25
"Westminster Abbey's Hidden History Uncovered"
- Dave finds 11th-century hand-sized floor tiles with glaze, rare and only known at Westminster Abbey in the last five years.
- Discovery of possible burials from the very first Saxon church at Westminster Abbey.
- Uncovering the story of three churches on the site, including Henry III's sacristy, Edward the Confessor's abbey, and potentially the first Saxon church.
- Mick doubts the walls as corridors, but Warwick suggests a processional entrance, possibly an assembly area rather than a sacristy.
- Phil finds articulated remains, not the early Saxon chalk-lined burial.
- The odd shape of the sacristy explained as a place for storage, sorting, and changing before ceremonies.
- Helen clarifies the purpose of a galilee as a preparation area for processions, aiding in organizing and lining up participants.
- Two sacristies identified for different functions: one for holy vessels and the other for clergy robes.
- The sacristy's significance in preparing for royal ceremonies, requiring ample space for robes and preparation.
- Discoveries of Saxon tiles and pottery hint at the abbey's early history, potentially linked to Dunstan's church, shedding light on Westminster's archaeological past.
45:41
Anglo-Saxon burial pre-dating Edward the Confessor
- The burial discovered at Westminster Abbey is believed to be Anglo-Saxon, potentially dating back to around 800, making it a significant find as it predates Edward the Confessor. This finding sheds light on the early 11th-century period when King Canute built the first royal palace near Dunstan's Abbey, setting the stage for future greatness.
