Westminster Abbey to open new galleries for public

IANS  |  London 

A previously unseen series of galleries high up above the floor of Abbey here are set to be unveiled to the public for the first time in 700 years.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries are located 16 metres above the ground level and had remained inaccessible to visitors for most of the church's history, according to Abbey.

"Hidden for over 700 years," the Abbey said on its website, adding, "Discover a secret space never open before to the public."

The galleries would be open to the public from June 11. Among the items on display would be an of Henry VII, modelled on the king's death mask and a funeral effigy of Mary I.

"The galleries in the beautiful 13th century triforium display our greatest treasures and tell the story of our thousand-year history," the church said.

A 14th century guide to coronations and royal funerals known as the "Liber Regalis" and England's oldest surviving altarpiece, the Retable, will also be featured in the exhibition.

Bringing the collection up to modern times would be the marriage license for William, of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who married in 2011.

It would be the first time that item goes on public view, the church said.

"Your journey starts at the Weston Tower," the church said. "See amazing views of the and the medieval Chapter House on your way up ? it?s all part of the experience," the website added.

--IANS

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First Published: Tue, May 29 2018. 19:30 IST