Oddities and Secrets of Westminster Abbey

[@johnryan2193]

Do you use chat gpt for your research ?

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Not even a little bit.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Sometimes I wonder if I should, because that’s the part that takes me the longest, but I take real pride in doing it myself.

[@bunnypolaris9800]

@@TheMuseumGuide Good on you for not! Chatgpt is renowned for inaccuracies, and while I don't think at this moment it's going to get to full replacment of really anything, self assessed research is so much more respectable and honestly more whimsical for discovery than just asking some bot with stolen uncredited sources.

[@dennis8196]

Chatgpt is used by people with overconfidence and a lazy attitude causing everyone to get the wrong impression of it's abilities, however even KZbinrs can make numerous mistakes without it

[@reubenroo]

Wow! Crucified by your father for sprouting a beard to fend of an unwanted marriage? Tad extreme🤣👍

[@helenfreeman4188]

An important Westminster Abbey trick: get your ticket for the very first time in the morning and try to arrive at least a half hour before opening. This will allow you to be one of the first people inside. Grab your audio guide, politely ignore the well-meaning docents, and you have an excellent chance of being more or less alone in the nave, in front of the altar, and in the royal chapels. Within 30 minutes the place is packed, so relish these precious minutes of solitude. The new galleries are excellent, well worth the extra ticket. As an added bonus, you can look down into the shrine of Edward the Confessor, meaning you can see much more than you are able to from ground level.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Great advice!

[@valeriehughes2357]

Took my sons home to England to visit their great grandparents. I took them to see Westminster Abbey and we attended the noon service, so they could say they went to church at the Abby. They still talk about their visit.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

That is lovely!

[@elainebines6803]

My grandfather travelled the world and said the best place to reside in, in the world is, the UK. We are a tiny island

[@ruthsmithwade7955]

Very cool!

[@jimgordon6629]

@@TheMuseumGuide

[@dw13645]

I have an African Grey parrot and had never been to the gallery upstairs until my last visit this summer. Seeing the little pet parrot alongside his owner for eternity was so moving. The whole gallery with the effigies is incredible. What treasures!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I agree! Thanks for watching

[@SoLuVaBle299]

It will never cease to amaze me how people can carve such beautiful and detailed things out of stone. That skeleton was fascinating.

[@stuarture4749]

Hey, just stumbled across your channel. The KZbin algorithm has served me well! Just wanted to pop in and sincerely thank you for the fascinating content, the chapter breaks and for the wise font choice. Very clean and solid frame placement! Looking forward to a deep dive in the archives and also your future content! Keep on creepin'!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Awesome, thank you!

[@0427Gutierrez]

This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and it was an immediate subscribe! As a citizen of western Ks, USA the likely hood of me being able to visit these places is low, so having someone like you going through museums in the detail I would is so cool!

[@SacredWaves]

Me too!! My first video. I also love these things and will not likely ever see them in person. This is one of the few blessings of internet tech.

[@emilysmith7788]

i have neer seen inside westminster abbey even though there are many monarchs ( My ancestors ) buried there. it is too expensive so you posting this is a very welcome surprise. Thank you!!

[@amandabell8827]

I've been to the Abbey several times but just looked at tombs. I wish I had had this video to watch years ago! Thanks for this x

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You'll just have to go back!

[@amandabell8827]

@@TheMuseumGuide One day 😁

[@barbara6058]

I love your channel. You are so good at this. The perfect tour guide.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@evilladollyz7602]

She really is. I just love her❤❤❤

[@laurieb3703]

Yes! Pretty, smart and wellspoken ❤

[@CJBagley]

I so enjoy your intriguing tours. Thank you for sharing these places that many of us will probably never get to in person. I particularly loved the fact that you focused on a feathered companion rather than its human. My profile picture was my 40+ year old African Grey who will one day be re-interred with me.

[@daveandgena3166]

I'm thrilled we got to see the effigies! I don't know why they're so fascinating. There's something about their temporary nature, that makes them unique to most sculptural works of historical figures. They almost like folk art. Thank you so much!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

@@daveandgena3166 I love them too!

[@mariemorgan7759]

I love looking at them too. I think it is as close we are going to get in visualizing what these Kings and Queens really looked like outside of their portraits.

[@rayrae204]

This is my favorite channel! I love the Highgate Cemetery tours, But this one takes the crumpet!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@debbierowley8833]

What a lovely enthusiastic lady you are, beautifully presenting one of my most favourite buildings in England, I’m hugely proud of my country, and loved every second of your video, a real hidden gem with your nuggets of interesting facts. Look forward to seeing more.

[@TheKoolbraider]

How wonderful to see Dr. King included.

[@Azi1966]

Fascinating as always! Thank you.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Well done. I visited the Abbey about 25 years ago. I enjoyed the new insights that you provided. Very pleasant.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Dr.Shocks]

Not often, but sometimes, the KZbin algorithm gods shine brightly upon me and show me something I really want to see. I really enjoyed this video so am subbing and preparing to binge on your content! Thank you!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You’re so welcome! I’m happy you’re here.

[@eleanorlaurent2303]

Really looking forward to this, it sounds fabulous 🩷

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I hope you enjoyed it!

[@jenniferryersejones9876]

This was the perfect way to end my day! As always, Yes, to any tours you suggest. Thanks, Jessica!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You're very welcome!

[@forbuzz4870]

Ive learned so much from you. and you make me smile..thank you miss Jessica.. 🐾

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You are so welcome!

[@boy_with_apfel]

I love your videos. Such priceless information. I wish to travel one day and see a lot of the places you cover, and your videos give such invaluable context. Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

And thank you for watching!

[@Betharoot]

I've only had the pleasure of visiting Westminster Abbey once, but remember the guide showing us a room(chapel?) that has a stained glass ceiling. Several of the panes were blown out during the blitz. The artist that was hired to replace them, created panes depicting bombs, and other figures that I don't recall, as a rememberance of what had happened.

[@chrisball3778]

I gotta go to Westminster Abbey again ASAP to check out all these sights!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

It’s so worth it!

[@IanJones942]

29:43 Watched it in California. And now the theme song is in my head.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

🐭 🧢 👮‍♀️

[@meeganaschen8388]

I live in CT, USA and used to watch Today’s Special…the theme song immediately came to mind. I feel very nostalgic thinking back to when I watched that show! Thank you for another great video! ❤

[@hunnycombss]

This was my favorite place in London when I went there. Queen Elizabeth I is my role model🩷 it was a reverant feeling to be there at her tomb in such a gorgeous place 🙏🩷

[@kunstboka73]

Du har så flotte og interessante videoer. Helt i min gate. 🤗👌

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Takk!

[@rararooster1526]

I’m so happy to have stumbled across your channel! It’s fascinating and great for preparing for what to expect while touring cities. I wish I had your job!

[@Parianparlay]

Smashing tour! Thanks so much, you’re the BEST guide. 💫

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@katiemacnc971]

Thanks!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@gabriellejones9522]

Fantastic video. Learnt so much ! Can’t wait to see what else you have planned

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@OkieJammer2736]

Excellent editing. OMG, the time you've taken with this awesome video. Thank you! New subscriber. I've been to Westminster Abbey many times. Next time, I will enjoy it in a whole different way!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!!! They do take me a long time. But it’s a labour of love!

[@annettewillis2797]

Such a great tour Jessica! Such an interesting and deeply eclectic collection. So much more than a church!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I agree! It’s an amazing place.

[@LindaLinda80Linda]

Just wonderful! Professional, fascinating, so knowledgeable!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Wow, thank you!

[@katb.6132]

So love your videos ❤. Thank you for these tours! You are a wonderful story teller as well ❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@YsabetJustYsabet]

FANTASTIC video! I thoroughly enjoyed this one (I like all your videos and have shared them with friends, but this one was special.) Here's a little something to make you laugh (possibly): The second time I went to Westminster I was hobbling on a pair of crutches with one leg in a plaster cast from the knee down due to breaking my foot in a fall down a cliff in Germany where I lived. There was something I wanted to do, though, cast or not, that I had seen in a little printed cartoon, and I did it. When I got to the marker for Oliver Cromwell's former burial site, I had my friends who were with me keep a watch out for any guides... and I did a little hopping one-legged jig on top of Cromwell's marker. Can't stand the man, he caused a lot of grief, so... Anyway, we had to book it as fast as possible away from there when another tourist saw me and started making angry noises. A Cromwell fan, maybe? But anyway, I danced on Cromwell's (former) grave. **bows** I look forward to future videos, and in particular your Halloween ones! Thank you!

[@SwanLake-2024]

Unbelievable! What many shallow people are willing to share their stupid deeds in public! I bet you show your naked arse when you get a chance!

[@rugogedun]

When I visited I did something similar for the same reason - I kicked the tomb of Edward I.

[@TheFeralFerret]

What a wonderful channel, I'm so glad I found this! You seem like a fantastic tour guide. I'm desperate to go to these amazing museums myself one day, but until then I'll be consoling myself here haha.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I’m so happy to be able to transport you there!

[@nancyM1313-Boo]

Thank you so much. You are a delightful companion. Very Informative + Entertaining💝

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nannynan5893]

Have seen several of your offerings, and enjoyed all! Your content is so inclusive and well paced. Wonderful job, thank you👍👑

[@roberthossen8354]

Splendid, thank you!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You’re very welcome!

[@tonithomas8517]

I have just discovered your channel and I’m binging your videos. I’ve been sharing your channel with so many people. I have been to London several times, as recently as this August, and I can’t believe how many things I missed at Highgate, walking in Spitalfield, etc. But I will be back in London in July. I would love information about your tours.

[@JTMaxBet]

What an incredible tour! I only got to view the exterior, but after watching your video here I feel I've seen the interior highlights, thank you for this!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lumineria1]

I just found your page and I loved your fascinating tour!! I tend to search for the unique and macabre stories and figures of the specific sites. Loved the cool taxidermy parrot! I’m going to check your past videos. I hope you do one on the fascinating tour of Roslyn Chapel in Scotland. I loved it and I’ll remember those details for life!❤️

[@Sharon_Mc]

🇬🇧 on a school visit ,( in 1958 ) , to Westminster Abbey, when i was 13, the wooden Coronation chair wasn't roped off. How I wish that I had sat in that chair.

[@francisadams-u9l]

This is a great video. Abbeys, Churches and Cathedrals in the U.K and the rest of Europe have so many surprises tucked away in unexpected places. When I go back to visit Europe I want to record those unexpected places. Last time I was at Westminster Abbey I spotted a few items. But I didn't have my camera with me. Next time, I'm bringing anything that will record.

[@JayGideon-7]

Great video I loved it. I visited the Abby in 1986. Although I was there quite a long time I didn't see half of the things that you showed us today. I think for the true history buff you need two days at least! Thanks again good job!🏆

[@prettyoddvices4306]

How neat to see the effigies made from the death masks!! Were the death masks often faithful reconstructions of the deceased’s face, or did the artists take some liberties like how they might in a painting? Great video!!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I think they definitely took liberties.

[@jaydee5022]

Death masks are actually plaster casts taken just after the person died so are as faithful as you can get. The subsequent effigy isn't necessarily faithful but the original death masks were.

[@RodneyBrook-xz6tc]

I really enjoyed your wonderful knowledge and fabulous video ,of west minster abbey , I learn so much from you ,which is fantastic for me , because I'm a history 🤓 nerd , it's my favourite thing in my life forever 🙏🏻🙂 thank you ever so much Rodders x🤓🙏🏻

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@patrickbarrett5650]

Excellent content, really thoroughly researched. I enjoyed every minute.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@redwoods7370]

Just found your channel this evening. It’s spectacular! I’ll be up late tonight bingeing on your videos. ❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

That’s great to hear!

[@debbralehrman5957]

Thanks that was enjoyable. Ok I wanted to say fun. And I will. This was Fun. Thanks so much. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌺

[@amb163]

With everything going on in world news and politics, it's always wonderful to see one of your videos come up. I can actually feel my shoulders relax when I hear you speak... thank you for everything you do! Can't wait for your Halloween episode :)

[@darrellimbert8130]

Just discovered your channel, I am subscribing! this is really my type of thing thank you!

[@pjmichaelsrocksyou]

I visited the Abbey this summer (2024), but I wish I had toured it with you after seeing this great video. Fascinating stuff.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You’ll just have to go back!

[@PamPoarch-ht5qn]

Fascinating!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@brad7836]

Just a note on Edward the long shanks. He ordered that whenever the English went to war with Scotland they were to remove his body and take it with them. The tomb is now sealed with pitch. So no more wars for him.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

That is wild! Thank you.

[@hectorpascal]

Edward I can probably stay safe in his stone box. I think the chances of England and Scotland EVER going to war again are pretty small (but you never know!)

[@Batmanslovechild]

Looking forward to watching this!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@LauraFromMarkerQuest]

This was my first viewing of one of your videos and I really enjoyed it. Definitely subscribing!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Welcome!

[@margaretrowlands8162]

Very interesting and you have a lovely way of narrating. Thank uou.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you kindly!

[@angiekroll1015]

Love it! Funeral effigies are amazing. Would you mind adding St Paul’s & St Bride’s to your list? Do they have famous burials also? Thanks for your hard work.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

St brides is in my video about the Macabre things in London’s churches!

[@delbertgrady5288]

Just found your channel and love it. You’re so personable and the videos are well researched - thank you

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@mariemorgan7759]

I am facinated with the Restoration era, I read a book on Charles II. He was known as a royal survivor. It would be great to see more videos on Charles and his court. Excellent presentation for those of us who cannot travel to see Great Britain! 🙏💕🇬🇧

[@japhyryder66]

This was so fascinating! I just had to subscribe!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you! Welcome.

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

Thank you very much Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You are so welcome.

[@ruthcherry3177]

Absolutely fascinating - thank you!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nancyM1313-Boo]

❤ Thank you Very much. Just subscribed. Look forward to watching your videos. Cheers from NYC 🗽

[@pascalswager9100]

Stoked I found You mate! New sub, can't wait to binge 😊 ❤ from 🇦🇺

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Cheaper_traveller]

Woow this is such an amazing video. I love your content and I love London and other GB/UK places more every day.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zoez7169]

0:58 London has the best macabre history! I love that you’re doing this. Also, not sure if anyone’s mentioned it (and if so my apologies) but ‘English, Scottish, and British monarchs’ strikes the ear as a bit strange given that both English and Scottish people are British. Becomes an important distinction when discussing the complex identity politics of both ancient and modern Britons as well as the Irish. But very fun virtual tour!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I totally get what you mean, but this is actually the correct terminology because before the early 17th century, there were monarchs of England and there were monarchs of Scotland - these were distinct and different. It’s only after James I that there has been one monarch for all of Britain. This is actually how the Abbey refers to them!

[@zoez7169]

Haha yeah given how carefully you conducted your research it seemed like the inclusion was probably intentional. Wanted to put it out there just in case given how important these distinctions are to the ppl of the modern UK

[@CherokeeBird]

I know I'll never have a chance to visit 😢 My 6x great grandfather went to London with 2 other Cherokee men to visit. My grandfather's name was Standing Turkey, or Conocotocko. This was in 1762. ❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@mamawvondak]

You are a very good tour guide. I truly and fully enjoyed touring Westminster Abbey with your insights. As an American, I was struck with gratitude that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has a presence among the great martyrs in that place. I never knew about the sculpture before. Thank you. 😊❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Wow, thank you!

[@jennywallis65]

Fabulous video, fascinating.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Many thanks!

[@dlcooper6325]

Outstanding! I absolutely love it. Well done! ❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you so much!

[@MichelleBruce-lo4oc]

Hi, awesome live history video I enjoyed it. Have a great day 😊

[@katiemacnc971]

Fascinating! I've been there but without the background to appreciate everything. Many thanks,

[@TheMuseumGuide]

My pleasure!

[@joymcguire]

thank you!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You're welcome!

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

Wonderful video!!! ❤

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@victoriawebber7184]

Absolutely amazing tour.❤❤❤

[@craigalwine1741]

This was a great video. I look forward to the next

[@clark5242]

What a wonderful video! Unfortunately I live in Oklahoma, where there is no history to speak of, but I am cursed to love English/Scottish history. I've always dreamed of visiting. Thank you soooo much for this! Aside: I'd love to know more about your chest tattoo.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

I think you have some fascinating First Nations history! Maybe I’ll do a tattoo tour on Patreon one day. 🤣

[@nicholahenry539]

Thank you for your informative video it is enjoyable

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Starghost1999]

Well even though these are kind of the things that I like this is the first time I've been across one of your videos but I'm definitely subscribed I'm looking forward to more❤

[@lordleonusa]

Our visit in August 2019 was spoiled by the fact we were not allowed to take ANY photos, even more so because they apparently changed that policy after our visit. I had brought my wife from the west coast of the USA, and I was pushing her around in a wheelchair, I was 62 at the time.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Oh, that’s such a shame! Yes, photos are very much allowed now.

[@ladylove3636]

I found out Friday no black cabs in Mortlake. I had to walk too far with too much stuff, too heavy, now really not feeling great. It's at this moment KZbin decides to show your channel stories enough to distract me from my woes whilst meds kick in. I shall now watch all, tho I have a real soft spot for Westminster abbey I've never been in. Remember the London light show a few winters back it was all lit up I wondered about the figures above the door I thought they were old x

[@lollclark457]

Another fascinating tour, thank you x

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you for watching!

[@michellepagenel2304]

Very interesting, thank you : )

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dianespears6057]

Very enjoyable and interesting. Thank you.

[@lisaanderson7783]

Fascinating! Great video x

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hunnyblossom70]

When I saw this title I knew I had to watch this video. I love museums but I’ve never been a fan of the touristy type videos I like things that are a little more off the beaten path. Liked and subscribed I will be checking out your other videos for sure.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheJackdratt73]

Love your Canadian accent. Love your video and knowledge, too.

[@serkles8597]

Love your videos! Always make me want to go and visit these places.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Glad you like them!

[@sophiegeorge2816]

Great video I love history and everything that goes with it

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Me too! Thanks for watching. ❤️

[@quicksilver2510]

Great video. Very informative and interesting. I visited Westminster Abby last November from Australia, and I took a photo of a very plain grave maker with 1082 written on it. Could this date be correct? The "1" was in the shape of a "j". I assume this was the style of writing at the time. It was the oldest one I saw there. Fun fact, my grandfather was the only person I ever knew that saw Halley's comet twice. He was still living in England in 1910 before immigrating with his parents to Australia in 1912. As a 5 year old, his father took him to the highest hill in Warwickshire to show him the comet. He again saw it again in 1986, but noted it was far brighter in 1910.

[@Aramintava]

Love your channel and learning crazy facts about the places you visit. I was wondering about one thing though. Wouldn't those blue porcupines instead be hedgehogs? Did England even know about porcupines when these guys were made?

[@TheMuseumGuide]

They are porcupines! Likely the Asian ones.

[@lmp8932]

As we have come to love, another great tour! I visited the Abbey in 2013 and saw a lot - a missed a lot more it seems! 🙂🦘🦘🦘

[@TheMuseumGuide]

You'll just have to go back.

[@lmp8932]

@@TheMuseumGuide One day, it's fair trip from Australia!😁

[@mimisthoughts4699]

I’d love to see your tattoo! Love the channel; new subscriber ❤️

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thanks for subbing!

[@BarbaraCowdery]

Absolutely Fascinating!!!!!!!

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Thank you!

[@timelordvictorious]

Been to Westminster years ago. Found it interesting that Elizabeth the first’s face on her tomb was exactly how she looked when she died.

[@TheMuseumGuide]

Yes, I almost included it!

[@johncullen8100]

Love every minute of your video. One small item (around 33:29?) Ben Johnson... I vaguely remember this from a long ago visit to WMA. O Rare is very clever... and means 'to speak' or 'to pray' (infinitive). The singular vocative (command, if I remember my high school Latin from about 60 years ago in West Haven, Connecticut USA) would be 'ora' and the plural would be 'orate.' But obviously, whoever created that epitaph was forced to use the infinitive form because it offers a clever conceit ("O rare Ben Johnson"). And so fitting it is for a famous man. JTC