Tour of Westminster School

The tour will include the Old Kitchen, Ashburnham House, Ashburnham Garden, School, Busby Library and Burlington Arch. Afterwards we will make our way to the cafe at Wesminster Abbey, The Cellarium Cafe to enjoy a pot of tea served with two homemade scones, clotted cream and jam. Ticket price includes tour and refreshments.

Please note: This is a historical old building and the tour route includes stairs, unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible. It is possible that adjustments to the tour route may have to be made if there is works happening at the school.

A little bit of history

Westminster is an ancient boarding and day school with a unique sense of place. The School’s origins can be traced to a charity school established by the Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey. Its continuous existence is certain from the early fourteenth century. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, Henry VIII personally ensured the School’s survival by statute. Elizabeth I, confirmed royal patronage in 1560 and is celebrated as the School’s Foundress.

For several hundred years the School continued to be joined with Westminster Abbey, forming one collegiate foundation, until the 1868 Public Schools Act established the school as an independent body. The School still enjoys a close relationship with the Abbey and the Dean of Westminster is chair of the School’s Governing Body.

In 1943 the School expanded its educational scope by forming Westminster Under School, educating boys from the age of 7. Initially both sections of the School shared a site, until 1951 when the Under School secured its own premises. Then in 1973 the School expanded its scope once again, admitting girls as full members of the school at 16+. Today the School proudly educates boys and girls in the Sixth Form.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Westminster School, 17A Dean's Yard, London, United Kingdom