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Abbey plans a crowning glory on roof
by staff reporters
 Uncrowned: the undecorated lantern roof |
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WESTMINSTER ABBEY has launched proposals for a corona on its roof, as part of wider development plans, which it announced on Monday. It has invited the public to comment on the proposals. The corona, an architectural feature in the shape of a crown, would replace the small plain pyramid roof on top of the lantern, in time for the Diamond Jubilee in 2013 of the Queen’s coronation. Underneath is the crossing of the Abbey, where English monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Over the centuries, architects have suggested various schemes for finishing the roof, but none have been realised. If, after consultation, the Abbey decides to go ahead, the corona will be the subject of an architectural competition.Announcing the proposals, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Revd John Hall, said that the Abbey also planned to open up the upper gallery, or triforium, to give public access for the first time, and to house a new museum containing many of the Abbey’s treasures, which are not currently on public display. |
 above: the mostly unseen triforium |
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It is estimated that the cost of an education centre, café, and opening the triforium could be about £13 million, and the cost of the corona a further £10 million.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dean Hall said that he and his colleagues had been prompted by the idea that the Abbey had never been finished: “It just seemed a sad thing to have such a stumpy little tower over such a magnificent building.”
Dean Hall emphasised the other parts of the plans, in particular the education work. The Abbey is creating an education centre, the costs of which have been covered already by generous bequests.
There is a free exhibition on the plans in the Chapter House and on the Abbey website.
Do you support the Abbey’s development plans?
Vote here |
 A corona at St Giles’s Cathedral, Edinburgh |
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