Significance of Design of Westminster Abbey - Essay Example

Significance of “DESIGN” of Westminster Abbey It is plausible that every settled society develops its unique architecture and buildings are regarded as political and cultural symbols of the society. Every building is designed to achieve some specialization of a person or a group of individuals. Some examples of such buildings are religious buildings, for example, churches and synagogues, castles, Royal residences, and government buildings. In Britain, the most-famous representations of such buildings are found in the capital, London, whose conglomeration of cosmopolitan styles and place of historical buildings that are representative of British tradition and history. The Westminster Abbey stands out as one of the most-conspicuous architectural masterpieces in Britain that have been designed to symbolize the long history of British culture and tradition. From its design in architecture to its design in the functions that take place within and around its premises, the Westminster Abbey is a classical representation of ‘Britishness.’ History The history of Westminster Abbey stretched back to 1065 when King Edward the Confessor built a new church as a dedication to Saint Peter. Following his death, King Edward befitted the first person to be buried at the Abbey and William, the new Conqueror, became the first person to be crowned at the Abbey. In close resemblance to the Canterbury Cathedral, the Abbey became a center for pilgrimage due to the shrines of kings and queens and other important individuals in the society. After many years in the desolation, King Henry III decided to re-build the Abbey in 1245, and the resultant design reflects the Abbey’s current appearance. The history of Westminster Abbey is long and continue to this day. For example the buildings, houses and apartment tell a lot of the historical journey from when it commenced to today. For more than one thousand years, Westminster Abbey has maintained a unique architectural, historical and symbolic significance where the tradition and culture of the English state, church and monarch and law are inexorably intertwined. As a group, the architectural pieces that form the Abbey symbolize masterpieces of monumental architecture since the medieval times, and which derive from the best of historic construction methods and traditional craftsmanship (Levy 8-12). Thus, it is plausible that the design of the Westminster Abbey was meant to be a constant representation of British culture and tradition for many years after its construction. On the design of its functions, it is the Abbey’s pre-eminent representation of democratic government, as well as its persistent spiritual significance that has exerted the greatest influence, and contributed to the development of democratic ideals across the world. Through these functions, the Abbey has served as a constant reminder of the best ideals that are of immense importance to mankind. All items of information currently available indicate that Westminster Abbey comprises hundreds of symbols of the English country and its identity, and the architectural building reinforces the idea that buildings can always be designed to depict a symbolic meaning that could define a nation and its identity. The perception is strongly anchored by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, John Hall when he says that the Abbey is a part of British culture as it has shared in the nation’s celebrations and tragedies for a thousand years. Indeed, “the Abbey is woven into our sense of identity and nationhood” (Hall 4). He further asserts that the Abbey has not just remained a passive witness to more than a thousand years of history. Rather, as the pinnacle of the interaction between the state, church and monarch, “it has played an active role in the course of events.” (Hall 4). Thus, it is notable that the design of Westminster Abbey serves as a constant representation of British national identity. In fact, the art of Westminster Abbey represents more than just local interest, and in fact occupies a central role in the midst of dynamic forces of medieval patronage. One of the most-outstanding functions of the Abbey is that it act as a center for divine worship. As a Royal Peculiar, the Abbey does not have a parish though people expect such a place to have one. Rather, the world serves as the Abbey’s parish. Strategically located at the center of one of the busiest world cities, the unfailing all-time services of Eucharist, Evensong and Martins fulfills the spiritual needs of many people. Thus, the Abbey continues to offer a calm and thoughtful reminiscence of the Benedict purpose for its regular guests and worshippers. Some of these major events that celebrate and commemorate life and death on behalf of this British nation are always broadcast across the world thus communicating the essence of the English tradition and culture to a global audience. As scholars contend, the major challenge for the Abbey is to safeguard its heritage, and more importantly, the tangible and intangible attributes passed down from the earliest generations of clergy, dignitaries, craftsmen, artists, and citizens. This purpose is aptly achieved through the design of the Abbey’s architecture. On the other hand, the design of the functions that take place within the Abbey serve as a continuation of the evolutionary journey for the Abbey’s central mission and purpose. The function of the Abbey as a place of worship for more than 1000 years illustrates the continuity of Britain’s culture of worship that stems back for many years. In fact, the Abbey maintains a daily schedule of worship, as well as serving as a place where major religious celebrations are held (Robbins 22-46). Westminster Abbey has been designed to serve as the seat of national sovereignty, as well as the central focus of national ritual and ceremony ever since the Saxon era (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). The materials scale and quality of the structures and spaces that have been established within and around the Abbey, as well as the major architects and builders of the day, are reminiscent of the pre-eminence of the site (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). In fact, the Abbey employed the services of pre-eminent craftsmen and architects of the day-from Hugh Herland, who served as the mason and carpenter of the hall, to Sir Charles Barry, Wren and Hawksmoon, who did later works on the Abbey. Furthermore, the Abbey contains decorative furniture, fittings and schemes, as well as works of art and monuments that bear unique and international significance. In representing the political history of Britain, the Westminster Abbey, together with the nearby Palace of Westminster encapsulate the longstanding history of one of the oldest parliamentary monarchies of modern times, as well as the development of constitutional and parliamentary institutions. An outstanding example of significant stages of human history The quality and outstanding nature of Westminster Abbey encapsulate the stage of history when monarchs desired to symbolize their status and power in permanent monumental architecture, as well as symbolizing their authority through references to divinity and saints. Thus, the design of the Abbey during its initial architectural planning was meant to fulfill this purpose. The Hall is a unique architectural survival of the earliest beginnings of the English law and sovereignty, especially with its earliest functions as a place where courts were located, Royal Councils gathered, and public trials were held (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). Furthermore, the use of the Gothic style for the latter day parliament building demonstrated nostalgia for medieval ideals and homage to the forefathers of the parliamentary system and their quest for liberty and representation from over-dominant monarchs. The adoption of this style re-stated the spiritual-calling of the government and the inter-relationship of the histories of the Abbey and the Parliament. The Abbey still serves as the pre-eminent royal church and the center for almost all coronations to the British throne since 1066. Furthermore, the Abbey serves as a shrine for Edward the Confessor, scene of royal weddings and funerals, as well as the burial place for kings and queens. All these functions reinforce the assertion that the design of the functions that take place at the Abbey is meant to symbolize the continuation of British history, tradition and culture. The archeological deposits that underlie the buildings at the Abbey are also unique and offer irrevocable evidence of the style and form of buildings, as well as the persons environment and economy of the earliest days of the settlement at Westminster. The function of the Abbey as an archive for historical documents, some stretching back to the medieval era, also reinforces the design of the Abbey to serve as a constant reminder of ‘Britishness.’ The Abbey as National Valhalla Since the 17th century, Westminster Abbey has served as a place of commemoration for most of Britain’s greatest figures. The commemorative tradition is still practiced today, and the Abbey has become one of the greatest places of communal memory for Britain in particular and the world in general. The Abbey’s symbolic importance as a center that defines a long history of culture and tradition is demonstrated by its design to hosting grand functions such as the ceremonial joining of both Houses, as well as the annual State Opening of Parliament. On a historical perspective, some of the most-outstanding solemn events such as the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen in 1952 were held at the Abbey. More recently, the Abbey was designed to host the funeral ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2002. It is plausible that the design of Westminster Abbey both in its architectural design, as well as the design of the functions that take place in its premises remains historically significant in various ways. In fact, any attempt to define the significance of the Abbey presents the risk of attempting to summarize the history of British culture and tradition. The choice of Westminster Abbey as a place of choice for the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 exemplifies the important significance of the design of functions that take place within the Abbey. Architectural Significance Westminster Abbey represents the finest secular medieval interior in the history of Britain. The walls were build way back in the 11th century. The roof that is the finest of its type demonstrates an exemplary engineering achievement, as well as being the finest surviving item of medieval carpentry in the world. In addition, the Abbey was designed to represent the most-significant assemblage of funeral monuments and tombs in Britain, stretching almost persistently from the 13th to the 21st century. It is therefore, of fundamental importance, both for the historic and artistic importance of the monuments. The Abbey is also the most-outstanding historic assemblage of fine sculpture in Britain, whose design was meant to demonstrate the development of the art form many through centuries. During its construction, The Abbey was accorded probably the finest sculptural embellishment ever utilized in a medieval building of such scale (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). The finest examples include its design of a naturalistic leaf carving, bosses, carved capitals, and the figures and corbels that run throughout the Abbey (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). The great inlaid floor at the Abbey is also a representation of great artwork that was designed to be unique in Britain, and extremely rare in any other European context (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). Its splendor, as well as imperial origins, relate very well to the unique role of the Abbey as the perfect setting for coronations. Westminster Abbey represents a unique masterpiece of English Gothic; that derived much of its techniques from the architectural developments and traditions of medieval Europe, most notably, France. The hall, characterized by its internationally acclaimed decorated hammer beam roof, represents the most-perfect piece of the medieval architectural carpentry in the world. The Palace of Westminster that borders the Abbey is another masterpiece derived from Victorian architecture, with its internationally popular form and skyline (Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan). The use of the Victorian Gothic style for the Westminster Abbey and its surrounding facilities had a global influence on the architectural tastes of their day and therefore on the history of the artwork, architecture, and decorative arts. The significance of Westminster Abbey is related not only to the physical attributes and the way in which people perceive them, but also to the design of the buildings and the spaces that make them unique through traditional, ceremonial and religious uses. In its tangible form, the Abbey is a classical example of the successive phases of English Gothic architecture and art, serving as a source of inspiration for the works of Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry. Furthermore, the authority and power of the state religion, the parliament and the monarch is represented by the position of the Abbey in the heart of the capital city. The intricate architectural design, such as the clock tower and the Big Ben’s unique sound, have gained international acclaim representative symbols for Britain’s tradition, culture and democracy. All the buildings in the Abbey retain their authenticity of their original architectural design, both in materials and substance, as well as their design and form. The iconic silhouette of the ensemble serves as a significant part of the Abbey’s identity, with a worldwide recognition of the “Big Ben” sound that is regularly broadcast across the world. As a house of music, the Abbey has remained active musically since the monks of the 10th century, to the daily choirs of singers who sing at the Abbey today. Indeed, some of the most-popular British musicians, singers, organists and composers had a special link to the Abbey throughout their careers. Conclusion It is plausible that the design of Westminster Abbey in both its architecture and functions is a remarkable expression of continuity for the British culture and tradition. Indeed, it is a continuity that has room for change and evolution, and the Abbey has been termed as a shrine of the English nation in the sense that it embodies a community’s values and memories. From an architectural perspective, the Abbey has been designed into a coalescence of many arts. Visually, the totality of the Abbey comprises of masterpieces of medieval sculpture, some of which are inseparable from the ancient architectural concept. In its architectural design and careful design of the functions that take place there, the Abbey exists as a building, a nebula of memories, traditions, and associations…” (Jenkyns 4), all of which are meant to symbolize the continuity of the British culture and tradition. Thus, Westminster Abbey represents an appreciation of an architectural masterpiece, with its design in functions serving as a perfect exploration of the Abbey’s significance in portraying the continuity of ‘Britishness.’ Works Cited Hall, John. Westminster Abbey: A Strategy for 2020 and Beyond. The Dean and Chapter of Westminster, 2009. http://www.westminsterabbey.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/22107/wa_2020_web.pdf. Jenkyns, Richard. Westminster Abbey: A thousand years of national pageantry. London: Profile Books, 2011. Print Levy, Imogen. “Westminster Abbey – Thousand Years of History.” Westminster Abbey from 1960 to Today. 2014 . Robbins, Keith. History, Religion and Identity in Modern Britain. London: Hambledon Press, 1993. "Westminster World Heritage Site Management Plan." 28 Nov. 2012, 09 Aug. 2014. Read More