The Abbey Treasures

Westminster Abbey, SW1.

There, in the Norman Undercroft, stand waxen images of Elizabeth I, Charles II , Queen Anne and William and Mary that are not only life-sized but true to life.

For these are no ordinary waxworks; they are effigies either modelled while the monarchs were still alive or very shortly after death. And as such, they represent the most faithful likeness to these people that it's possible to find.

But the physical resemblance does not stop there. It is made all the more powerful by the fact that the models still appear as they did originally, dressed in the type of clothes they were known to wear by the people who attended them every day.

This curious collection, now part of Westminster Abbey Museum, is what remains of what was once a large exhibition of funeral effigies. They were made for every monarch from the time of Henry V until around 1700 and were carried on top of their coffins as they made their last journey through the streets of London.

The figures, which were usually displayed in the Abbey as a memorial until the sovereign's tomb was complete, were kept by the minor cannons as a kind of side show. For a fee, the inquisitive could view the 'Ragged Regiment' or 'Play of Dead Folks', as it was known, and this provided the monks with a much-needed income. So popular was this entertainment that commemorative effigies of monarchs pre-dating Henry V were added to the collection.

Royalty were not the only ones to be represented here, though. Famous figures who could afford the conceit of a funeral effigy also had them made. One of the most interesting to survive the centuries is that of Frances, Duchess of Richmond. The Duchess, whose looks earned her the title 'La Belle Stuart', was a favourite of Charles II and was chosen by the King as the model for Britannia when he reintroduced the image on coins of the realm. Britannia is still the seal of the Bank of England and she appears on every one of the notes it issues on behalf of the Royal Mint.

• Click here for in-depth historical detail.

The Westminster Abbey museum is normally open daily from 10.30 a.m - 4p.m but may occassionally be closed for State and special events.

The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber are also open to view and are well worth a visit.

Another star attraction is the College Garden, accessible through the cloisters via Dean's Yard. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am -6pm April- September and 10am-4pm October - March.

Nearest tube: Westminster & St. James's Park (District & Circle Lines).

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Access to the Abbey is via the North door. Portable ramps will be put out on request for the more awkward bits.

Go through the Dean's Yard and cloisters to visit the museum.

© 1997 - 2007 Jan Collie. All rights reserved.