Henry VII Chapel

The Henry VII Chapel stands at the far eastern end of Westminster Abbey in London. It is a large Lady chapel, built to replace an older one and paid for by Henry VII’s will. Brass gates and a flight of stairs separate it from the rest of the abbey. The chapel’s structure is a three-aisled nave with four bays, leading to an apse that holds the altar. Behind the altar lie the tombs of Henry VII, his wife Elizabeth of York, and James I. Five apsidal chapels branch off from the main space. The chapel is worth the journey for its pendant fan vault ceiling, the first to combine pendants with fan vaulting. John Leland called it the orbis miraculum, the wonder of the world, for its late Perpendicular Gothic style. The tombs of several monarchs, including Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I, Charles II, and Mary, Queen of Scots, are found here. Since 1725, it has served as the mother church of the Order of the Bath, with banners of its members hanging above the stalls. The chapel’s design reflects Henry VII’s determination to assert his royal legitimacy. Visitors find a space dominated by the intricate pendant fan vault ceiling, its stone ribs and hanging pendants creating a striking pattern. Mahogany stalls line the aisles, some original, others added later for Knights of the Order of the Bath. Their heraldic banners still decorate the chapel, though only senior knights now receive stalls. The altar and Henry VII’s tomb, crafted by Italian artist Pietro Torrigiano, stand out for their Renaissance style. Sculptures and heraldic crests adorn the walls, while the East Window and Donor Windows add colour to the stone interior. The chapel’s grandeur and detail make it a remarkable place to see.