Be a part of History in The Cloisters of Westminster Abbey
Threepence, Seven Red Herrings, Ale & Three Loaves
Not the punchline of a joke, but a part of British ancestry and history! The Cloisters would have been one of the busiest parts of the Abbey, where the Benedictine monks spent much of their time. Each cloister is about 100 feet in length, they date mainly from the 13th to the 15th centuries and were used for meditation, exercise and providing a route into the main monastic buildings. In medieval times, it was in the East Cloister that the Abbot held his Maundy on the Thursday of Holy Week each year. Thirteen elderly men would be seated on a stone bench while the Abbot washed their feet, wiped them dry and kissed them. He would then give each man three pence, seven red herrings, some ale and three loaves of bread.
Share your Event with History
Since its founding by Benedictine monks in 13th Century, hospitality has been at the heart of Westminster Abbey. For 1000 years, the Abbey has hosted a variety of events; the crowning of kings and queens, royal weddings, christenings and proclamations were all held within this magnificent building. With every corner, nook and cranny seeped in history, today you can experience the prospect of celebrating your event in this iconic building. The Cloisters are perfect for the warmer months where corporate events can be staged in the elegant and atmospheric open-air arcade overlooking a grass quadrangle or garth. Your event can also be teamed with a tour of the Abbey for your guests.
Bespoke planning the Golborne way
A London venue this special requires a professional team that knows what they are taking on. As London event planners we specialise in working within unique venues of London and are highly experienced in problem-solving and finding creative solutions when dealing with listed and iconic London buildings.
We were fortunate enough to be invited as guests to experience an exclusive showcase by our friends and caterers Alexander and Bjorck. This evening included a drinks reception within the East Cloister, a fascinating tour of the Abbey followed by a champagne-paired dinner within the Cellarium cafe which was transformed with elegant florals, lighting and a stunning gold mirror, long table set up. Thank you to all the suppliers involved for such a wonderful evening:
Catering & Planning - Alexander and Bjorck
Production – Wise
Flowers – Tuff
Entertainment – Young Guns
Photography – Holly Clark
If you are interested in planning or hosting an event within Westminster Abbey please get in touch and let our expertise and planning experience take the pressure off your event.
The Cloisters at Westminster Abbey
CAPACITY:
East Cloister
Drinks reception: 200 guests Dinner: 90 guests
East and North Cloister
Drinks reception: 400 guests Dinner: 150 guests
FEES:
East Cloister hire fee:
£6,000 plus VAT from 4:30 pm-10 pm (inclusive of setup and de-rig). Extension fee charged at £500 per half hour up to 12 am
Abbey Tours fee:
£36 + VAT per person, lasting for 45 minutes however these can be trimmed down to fit your event brief.