Built by the royal masons in 1250, the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey was originally used in the 13th century by Benedictine monks for their daily meetings. It later became a meeting place of the King’s Great Council and the Commons, predecessors of today’s Parliament.

A beautiful octagonal building with a vaulted ceiling and delicate central column, it offers rarely seen examples of medieval sculpture, an original floor of glazed tiles and spectacular wall paintings. The 11th-century Pyx Chamber also has a medieval tiled floor, and was used as a monastic and royal treasury. It contains a 13th-century stone altar which survived the Reformation.

In 2009/10, conservation repairs will continue to take place to the external historic fabric of the Chapter House. A major programme of work, funded by English Heritage, comprises repairs to the roof, gutters, stonework on the elevations and flying buttresses, and repairs to the lead light glazing – thus preserving this highly significant and special building for future generations.

Chapter House free to EH members. Under the care and management of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster.