Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, Stuart O’Hara, a bass lay vicar in the Abbey Choir examines John Milton’s Blest Pair of Sirens and how careful composition is used to turn his words into a glorification of God. Listen to th…

Hear staff from Westminster Abbey as they reflect on the context and the meaning of popular Christian hymns and anthems that came from poetry. In this episode, The Reverend Mark Birch talks about William Blake and the context in which he was writing to produce the well-known verses of Jerusalem. Listen to the full track, and the rest of the album r…

In his Ascension Day sermon, Acting Minor Canon Ralph Godsall talks about the significance and importance of the day and the different truths it offers. Ascension Day occurs forty days after Easter Day and it marks Christ’s Ascension into heaven. It is a celebration of the power and authority of the lordship of the risen Christ and the commissionin…

The Dean speaks about those who died at Gallipoli and those who have died in conflict since whilst drawing upon ideas the Book of Revelation wants to offer us: We should be known not forgotten. We belong together not apart. The Dean also tells a personal story about his Grandfather, who was saved by his bible and a cigarette case during the First W…

On Easter Day, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us that Thomas needed proof of Jesus’ Resurrection, before reflecting upon what it means to be a Christian. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

Beginning with the Gospel according to Matthew 27:57-66, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey talks about the day of stillness, the reality of Jesus’ death and the significance of it today. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

On Good Friday, The Reverend Mark Birch focuses on the distinction between the cross and the crucifix, and how we remember Jesus’ death as a perversion of justice. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the Gospel according to John on Maundy Thursday, comparing the atmosphere in the city of Jerusalem to the words Jesus is sharing with his disciples. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newslette…

Beginning with a reading from the Gospel according to Mark, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey discusses the sentiment of Palm Sunday in relation to the story and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

On the fifth Sunday of Lent, the pivot between Lent and Passiontide, The Reverend Mark Birch considers the significance of pivotal moments. The reflection begins with a reading of John 12:20-33. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsle…

Following a reading of John 3:14-21, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle reminds us of tales of snakes within the Bible and ponders the idea of temptation during Lent on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newslet…

Beginning with John 2:13-22, the reflection by The Reverend Dr James Hawkey on the third Sunday of Lent explores how people respond to sacred space as part of their worship. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

On the second Sunday of Lent, The Reverend Mark Birch reflects on Peter’s denial of Jesus and how it is represented visually on the altar of the Lady Chapel with a crowing cockerel statue. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

On the first Sunday of Lent, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle considers the imagery of the shifting season and the role of nature within Lent, following a reading of Mark 1:9-15. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

Beginning with Matthew 6:16-21, The Reverend Dr James Hawkey explores the significance of the cross of ash being marked on foreheads on Ash Wednesday. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

Join the Westminster Abbey community from wherever you are in the world with this upcoming series of reflections, including a Bible passage and a prayer from Abbey priests. Sign up to the newsletter to get reflections directly to your inbox: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter…

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil and Tim Livesey, Chief Executive, Embrace the Middle East discuss discuss dignity and hostility Archbishop Bashar Warda is Archbishop of Erbil. Ordained a priest in 1993, he joined the Redemptorist order of Flanders in Belgium two years later. After receiving his MA at the Catholic University of Louvain in 1999 he r…

Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE discusses dignity and imprisonment with a guest speaker from the Prison and Probation Service.Westminster Abbey

This discussion focuses on exploring the clash of cultures in Tudor and Modern timesWestminster Abbey

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, discusses the NHS. 'We come together today not to celebrate an idea, but to celebrate all those who have breathed life into it, who have made it mean something real to tens of millions of people over three quarters of a century, and who continue to give us hope for the future.'…

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle talks about the history, significance and importance of the National Health Service.Westminster Abbey

A discussion regarding the potential use of technology to heal divisions in public life. Featuring Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC technology correspondent; Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle and Dr Michael Burdett, philosophical theologian and Assistant Professor, Nottingham University.Westminster Abbey

Read from the Nave PulpitWestminster Abbey

Read from the Nave PulpitWestminster Abbey

Read from the Nave pulpitWestminster Abbey

The Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, gives the Address at a Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the life and work of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.Westminster Abbey

Television presenter Jay Blades MBE gives a the testimonial at the Benefact Group Service of Thanksgiving.The service celebrated that over £100 million has been raised for good causes by the Benefact Group.Westminster Abbey

Lord Adonis gives the 36th annual Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture at Westminster Abbey.Money has long been associated with moral danger and the deliberate parting with it is generally seen as something to be honoured and encouraged. But globalisation of markets, environmental degradation and the rise of technology have created new geographies of…

The Rt Reverend and Rt Hon the Lord Sentamu of Lindisfarne and Masooli gave the Address during the service to commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale.Westminster Abbey

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, gives the Address during the the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day 2022.Westminster Abbey

The Right Reverend David Conner, Dean of Windsor, talks about The Duke of Edinburgh in his Address.Westminster Abbey

Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award holder from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gives a Tribute, talking about how the Duke of Edinburgh's Award has benefited her.Westminster Abbey

Audio of the conversation with the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick as she draws on her long experience in the police force and now as its most senior leader to discuss the meaning of serving as a leader.Westminster Abbey

A conversation featuring Director of Westminister Abbey Institute, Claire Foster-Gilbert about the Serving as a Leader? talk.Westminster Abbey

Loretta Minghella gives the 35th annual Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture at Westminster Abbey. Money has long been associated with moral danger and the deliberate parting with it is generally seen as something to be honoured and encouraged. But globalisation of markets, environmental degradation and the rise of technology have created new geograp…

The Reverend Canon Carl F. Turner, Rector of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, gave the sermon for the Feast of the Dedication of Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, gave the sermon at Sung Eucharist for the Feast of The Translation of St Edward the Confessor on 13th October 2021.Westminster Abbey

The Venerable Sheila Watson, Preacher of Lincoln's Inn, gave the sermon.Westminster Abbey

Listen to the Sermon delivered by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London during the Florence Nightingale Service 2021. The Reverend pays thanks to nurses and healthcare workers on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Sermon was delivered on what would have been Florence Nightingale's 101st birthday.…

Listen to the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle's sermon given during the ANZAC Day service on Sunday 25th April 2021.Westminster Abbey

This 32-minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey’s magnificent Chapter House. Introduced by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Address by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: Sarah Clarke OBE, Lady Usher of the Black Rod Ave Maris Stella from Le t…

This 28-minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Florence Nightingale Chapel in Westminster Abbey. Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Reader: Janet Hoyle Miserere – William Byrd Introduction: Cano…

This 19 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey’s magnificent Lady Chapel. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Reader: Janet Hoyle Introduction: The Dean Reading: Luke 2: 22-40 Janet Hoy…

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on the Feast of the Epiphany of The Lord. This 14 minute service includes a reading, an address and music, recorded this week at the crib. Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor Address by Canon Hawkey Introduction: Canon Hawkey Epiphan…

This 19 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week at the two Jesse Trees, made by the sculptor Benno Elkan, and representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor …

A podcast from Westminster Abbey for the Feast of Christ the King. This 16 minute service includes an introit, prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week on the Abbey's magnificent Cosmati pavement in front of the High Altar. Introduced by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Address by the Reverend Mark Birc…

A podcast from Westminster Abbey on ‘The Parable of the Talents’. This 15 minute service includes prayers, a reading, an address, music and a blessing, recorded this week in the Abbey's magnificent Nave. Introduced by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster Address by the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian Reader: The Reverend…

Cerys Matthews reads from a letter written by a widow after attending the burial of the Unknown Warrior at the Centenary of the Burial of the Unknown Warrior on Wednesday 11th November 2020.Westminster Abbey

Simon Armitage CBE, Poet Laureate, reads his own composition, ‘The Bed’ at a special service marking the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior, on Wednesday 11th November 2020.Westminster Abbey

The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister, reads an extract from the diary of a blind veteran who attended the burial of the Unknown Warrior.Westminster Abbey