Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed DoorsFrom ancient rituals and traditions to tourism, we go behind the scenes to discover a place at the heart of Britain for almost 1,000 years.
Episode 1
Sep 22, 2022
The Abbey's status as a 'Royal Peculiar' means that it relies almost entirely on the money it makes from selling tickets to tourists.
Episode 2
Sep 29, 2022
With the Abbey hosting memorials of national importance, it is crucial that its ancient structure is in tip-top shape. Clerk of the works Ian Bartlett puts the finishing touches to a serious problem on the roof. His deputy Iain McDonald carries out a survey of the Abbey's iconic Hawksmoor towers, which means abseiling 69 metres above the structure's main exit.
Episode 3
Oct 6, 2022
It is Holy Week at Westminster Abbey and preparations have begun for some of the most important few days in their year. Music Director James O'Donnell has to get the choir into perfect tune. Meanwhile, Matthew Payne, Keeper of the Muniments (the abbey's vast collection of documents), turns detective and investigates something mysterious.
Episode 4
Oct 13, 2022
Outside in the abbey greenhouse, head gardener Jan Pancheri is hard at work putting the finishing touches to her garden tour in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
Episode 5
Oct 20, 2022
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays a visit to the abbey to meet with his friend and colleague canon Tricia Hillas, chaplain to the speaker.
Westminster Abbey at Christmas
Dec 21, 2022
During Christmas, minor canon Bob is in charge of the Advent service, choirmaster James is leaving after almost 20 years, and there's a leak in the roof.
