The Traveling Taylors

We’ve been to Westminster Cathedral more than once, but it wasn’t until we dug into its backstory that we discovered just how unique this place really is. Beyond the striped brick exterior and serene chapels lie some seriously fascinating secrets. Here are 7 surprising facts about Westminster Cathedral that even many Londoners don’t know.

1. It’s Not Westminster Abbey

Let’s get this straight: Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are two totally different places. The Cathedral is Catholic; the Abbey is Anglican. They’re not even in the same style—Byzantine vs. Gothic—and yes, it confuses tourists all the time.

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2. It’s London’s Largest Catholic Church

Westminster Cathedral is the mother church for Catholics in England and Wales. With a nave that stretches over 100 meters, it’s massive, solemn, and still actively used for daily worship and special services.

3. The Mosaics Are Still Unfinished

Look up and around—you’ll see jaw-dropping mosaics in some chapels, but many walls and ceilings remain bare. That’s not a mistake. The interior mosaic decoration has been a work in progress since the early 1900s and is still evolving today.

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4. You Can Take a Lift to the Top

The bell tower, also called St. Edward’s Tower, has a lift that takes you 210 feet up for one of the best (and quietest) panoramic views of London. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and far less crowded than other viewpoints like the London Eye.

5. It Once Hosted a Royal Wedding

While Westminster Abbey gets most of the royal action, Westminster Cathedral hosted the wedding of Princess Michael of Kent in 1978. It’s one of the rare royal events held in a Catholic church in modern UK history.

6. It Was Built in Just 8 Years

Despite its size and detail, construction on Westminster Cathedral only took eight years—from 1895 to 1903. Quite the feat considering the level of architectural ambition and handcrafted design.

7. The Organ Is One of the Finest in the World

The Grand Organ, installed in 1922, is a masterpiece with over 4,500 pipes. It’s been played by some of the greatest organists and fills the entire cathedral with stunning acoustics during concerts and services.

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See Westminster Cathedral in a Whole New Light

Now that you know the backstory, your next visit to Westminster Cathedral will feel completely different. It’s not just a quiet escape from the London crowds—it’s a living, breathing masterpiece with stories etched into every wall and mosaic (finished or not!).