I am a medieval history nut and visiting Westminster Abbey is a thrill. You feel weight of history as you walk about the place and seeing the tombs of Edward I, Edward the Confessor, Richard II, Henry Tudor, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots and many others feels almost surreal. Walking down the aisle towards the where Kings and Queens have been crowned from William the Conquerer to our current monarch was an emotional experience and I recommend anyone interested in history to visit as you will not be disappointed.

As a retired American soldier, I am struck by the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior and the respect and deference afforded to him. The American Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery is guarded by sentinels with the same respect and deference that Abbey Dean Ryle put forth in the aftermath of World War I towards this most apt crypt in the Abbey. I visited Westminster Abbey in 2016 and was awestruck then by its history. Since then, I've done my best to learn more about it and those who are interred there.

I love that this isn’t a boring interview, with cringe silent moments and dumb questions to gain time. This is legit an interesting conversation between two gentlemen’s that both have a great appreciation for history. This is what I love to see.

Who knew so much history would have taken place in the abbey within a year of filming this!

I could listen to Sir David Cannadine all day. Obviously passionate about the subject and very knowledgable. I enjoyed this immensely. Thank you

My only criticism is that the focus odds kept on the two chaps rather than the items they are talking about a majority of the time. Seems like an odd way to present it.

A private tour here, like this, would definitely be on the top of my fantasy bucket list! I could spend endless days here... ☮️💜

I know I'm late to the party but I have to say Sir David's dry sense of humor is fantastic! "Do you see how they're not looking at one another? That's not an accident." He doesn't just relay information, he brings it all to life!

The disappointing thing is they didn't film the tombs and objects they were talking about as much as filming the people talking, frustrating

I love this! They have a casual conversational tone but both are so knowledgeable! Sir David Cannadine especially conveys his immense historical knowledge but in a way that is not condescending or talking down to someone. He talks as one who is passionate about history talking to another who is passionate about history.

0:58 I cannot be the only person who is unreasonably fascinated by old things like that.

As an American I found this fascinating! This man is exceptionally knowledgeable and very easy to understand. Thank you for posting this!

Two great historians here joining forces to bring us a fact filled tour of this most extraordinary building. Well done to Dan and Sir David! ❤️❤️👍

From halfway across the world the Abbey, in and of itself, was worth the trip. Staggering.

It was so wonderful to listen to this conversation. I did find myself throughout though wishing that the camera would be filming what they were discussing instead of just closeup shots of the two of them.

It might be a good idea to film more of what the presenters are looking at, rather than the presenters. "Here's this amazing thing that has me in awe, right off camera."

I remember my first visit to London. Our first visit was to the Abby. I internally gasped. It is awe inspiring. I like to linger and go slowly, taking in everything I can. There was no way we could have seen it all in one day. We have been back several times since. It always leaves me in awe, probably always will.

I went to Westminster Abbey with my family and a mate for my 18th birthday and it was one of the best experiences of my life

Love the accent !! amazing !! I can listen whole day !!

One of the many things I’m so glad to be British is the history on our doorsteps..I love learning about history so having this amount of amazing historical evidence is just beautiful

Sir David really knows his stuff and speaks about it most fluently and entertainingly.

Could spend hours learning and seeing bits of the Abbey and never get bored.

History is so powerful, without it we are just nothing!

I watched this program a month or so, before actually visiting. It’s very surreal when you are actually there, seeing and experiencing all these two great historians were talking about. Just marvelous!

David has perfected the cadence of the aged history professor. Bravo

Just casually strolling past Sir Isaac Newton was impressive. And the rest of the important people that are there and the history that comes with them all is amazing.

I’m an American-Filipina but I truly enjoyed this first class tour of Westminster Abbey very much. I love history and this is absolutely one educational journey. Thank you!

It’s thrilling to see the intense energy and obvious love for his topic. In an era of ennui and a lack of appreciation for history, there are still incredible scholars who make our lives more meaningful. Thank you from a Californian who must have lived previous lives in wonderful England!

One of my ancestors Edmund Spenser was buried in poets corner. I'd love to go visit someday. Thanks for this, I'm fascinated by British history. Westminster Abbey really is the heart of Britian

I had the great opportunity to work on the Abbey back in the early 90s replacing all the stone carving and have one fond memory of lying on the top of the vaulted ceiling making ghost noises though the small hole at the top for my colleague working below.

I got to finally go to westminister when I was visiting my mum. Standing in the center and looking up makes you feel so small but also in awe in being surrounded by so much history.

So much history it blows my mind. Fascinating. Admire people who can remember it all. One day I will visit this mighty building.

This was fantastic and quite moving. The fact that no-one can walk over the tomb of the Unknown soldier is simply beautuful! I could listen to Sir David all day.

Having been there amid a throng of visitors, appreciate this quiet and intimate look at the Abbey.

The level of knowledge & passion displayed by the host is worthy of respect. I could listen to him for hours without even blink. Beautiful place.

I really loved Sir David Cannadine presenting this information - he is so relaxed and easy to understand, as well as knowledgable and entertaining ☺️ Dan was really good at interviewing as well! Lead the conversation really nicely!

Thank you for a wonderful tour of the Abbey. I’m amazed by the oldest door , that’s real history.

Love how this was done I'd love more presentations like this. Both Dan and David

They have periodic liturgies at Westminster Abbey inside Saint Edward's shrine. I happened to be visiting the Abbey with my mother (we're Roman Catholic) and we were invited up into the shrine area for prayers. It was quite a wonderful experience.

What an amazing video. I visted Westminster Abbey many years ago and stood in awe of its immense size, stunning architecture, but more impressively, the earthly remains of those with such historical significance. I feel as if I've been granted a private tour of one of Britain's greatest treasures. May I say a sincere thank you from an American Anglophile with deep ancestral roots in the UK.

I’m Irish and I love Westminster abbey.. super tour Dan . Much appreciated

A man whose books figured as a large part of my dissertation. Cool guy is Cannadine.

Watching this the day before the Queens funeral. I'm American and married to a Brit. I adore history and this video has taught me a great deal in so little time. Many thanks.

Anytime I come to this place, I'm always awestruck by how magnificent it looks know the outside, and how it blows your mind with the stunning interior

Kingston was the first place I ever lived - it's covered in Royal history past and present. I feel blessed to be where I am. We also have a great Anglo-Saxon settlement here that was recently uncovered a few decades ago - it's rich with history.

Sir David is the most desirable man to lead videos like this. Knowledgeable, great teacher

Have traveled twice to London (from Australia) and this magnificent place has been a highlight for me. I could walk through it every day if I lived in London and never tire of it - just incredible.

I have had the pleasure of visiting the Abbey and it is absolutely spectacular. The history it contains is just astounding. Fantastic documentary.

Fantastic documentary. I visited the Abbey on a trip from Canada a few years ago and admittedly knew little about it in advance. I just thought of it as a church with some very beautiful architecture so I was amazed to learn about the history of the building and the incredible tombs and memorials inside. It unexpectedly ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. I learned a lot more from this discussion, so thank you!

The fellow showing him around the abbey is a remarkable host and speaks very eloquently. Easy listening and learning. Thank you.

I have barely begun this, but seeing Sir David fully appreciate the history just of that wooden door says this is worth watching. He’s not going to just regurgitate text, he’s going to wallow in history and take us with him!

I must agree with viewers who below criticised the fact that instead of SHOWING the tombs and mausoleums being spoken about, we mainly only see the two gentlemen speaking. Undoubtably interesting, what could have been an excellent documentary, regrettably was not.

We’re very fortunate to have such a man sharing his knowledge with us.

I have stood in Westminster and been in awe of the history that was all around me, of the Kings and Queens entombed there, of the great men and women memorialized there and the overwhelming beauty of the Abbey. How special to be in my home in Canada and enjoy a return visit with Sir David Cannadine as my guide. A truly brilliant production. Thank you.

that guy was the best. british. very british. most fun I've had on yt in a while. thank you kindly! he's an excellent historian.

Westminster Abbey is very Beautiful. 🇨🇦

Honestly I have no words. Absolutely incredible. God how I would love to see it in person. It has to be the kind of place where you would be like " am I really standing here???" Thankyou learned alot.

I was wondering what the slab surrounded by artificial red flowers was when I watched a rerun of Queen Elizabeth's funeral earlier this week. To give such a high honor to an unknown as a symbol of the people who sacrificed themselves for the kingdom is amazing. I'm American, but with strong European genetics, a quarter being British from my grandma, who was a Londoner, 5 years older than the queen. She lived to the good old age of 93. Maybe someday, I can visit the Abbey myself.

Everywhere there are Tombs are Burials done , The Church is So Huge , there are so many things to Look at, This Church is Indeed Amazing!! One day hopefully I'll have the priviledge to Visit.

What a magnificent church. I love history and to see it in all of its glory is amazing. I enjoyed hearing about the royal side of it all and the way sir David told the story with so much respect.

I am an American but am absolutely fascinated by English history. I’ve had the privilege to enjoy visiting Westminster Abbey twice (1999 and 2014). I think there is one grave of a man buried standing up, with just a small square marker over his head. He made it!

I want at least three more hours of this! Excellent production and very informative. I have spent many a year studying this Abbey and hats off to you for bringing yet another perspective on it's history!

I was lucky enough to live in England on 3 occasions and was able to visit the monarchs tombs. You could feel the antiquity in your bones. A highlight were the tombs of the two Tudor queens. Fabulous coverage of the abbey.

Stunning , the best church I have ever seen ,the best in all over the world , No doubt of that 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💜💜💜✨✨✨

Sir Cannadine is truly a great scholar. I appreciate his sharing of information on Westminster Abbey. Well done!

You should have included the Bernini inspired tomb of Sir Joseph NIghtingale on the outside of the abbey! The statue of him defending his dying wife from the spectre of Death is amazing!

I love Western history particular the United Kingdom... Watching from the Philippines !

i could listen to that guy all day. so much knowledge

I love the passion of the historian, as i non English person, i really enjoy this, its like I'm a child being told a bedtime story, i want to hear more and not sleep!

I am a medieval history nut. This documentary about Westminster Abbey is wonderfully done. Thank you Dan and Sir David. I enjoy your knowledge of history.

Dan Snow, I would like to say that you sound incredibly like Tom Scott. Really enjoyed this doco on Westminster Abbey.

I love them almost whispering while in the area of Edward the Confessor.

This was amazingly wonderful, so full of history. The gentleman doing the tour knows the Abbey, A to Z. bravo and well done, sirs! Thank you. ❤️

Absolutely rife with history and relevance. The craftsmanship of nearly every surface you can see is beyond description for beauty and expertise. Truly mind blowing. Thank you for this outstanding video!

What a delightful fellow Sir David is. I thoroughly enjoyed his commentary, and I do look forward to visiting Westminster again.

Thank you for putting this out. I watched this video and then when I saw the Queen's funeral, I felt like I had insider knowledge to the structure. When they walked around the tomb of the unknown soldier, I knew why they walked around it. It was never acknowledged what it was but knew. So thank you for this video.

Wonderful. How I’d love to go into all areas the public is no longer allowed. And I could listen to Sir David for hours!

seeing all my ancestors buried there is amazing ty

seeing this church is on my bucket list. ❤️❤️

Sir David cannadine I could listen to you all day

I was there 1 months ago. I tripped over a grave in the corridors outside. The church is very crowded with graves and statues. It is a beautiful building.

Lots of fascinating information, but frustrating to see them talking rather than the tombs etc that they were talking about. I enjoyed the photos of past monarchs which were superbly presented.

This is the only way I would ever be able to see inside the Abbey. Was very fascinating and to learn some of the history about it. Plus to see some of the famous people who are buried inside.

Thank you! It's marvellous to be walked through the rich history of Westminster Abbey.

that's some old ass door, I wish I could travel back through time and see all the crazy stuff that's happened

I would like to have a guided tour with Sir David Cannadine, he knows how to tell history in such a way that what he says stays in the head...

Absolutely fascinating

I came across this video and its beautiful, and its also the place where the late Queen Elizabeth had her funeral service on September 19, 2022, Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth. I was very amazed how her coffin was lowered from a pully to the grounds below but later that evening Queen Elizabeth was taken to King George Memorial Chapel where she is beside her husband Prince Phillip and along side her sister and parents.

years ago when I was first on holiday in London it became a daily habit to get into the Abbey before the crowds and wander through the tombs there - such an awesome place

After the end of a European tour, my family and I toured the Abbey as one of the activities of my birthday. Will go down as one of my top 3 bdays ever! My only regret is that I hadn’t done my ancestry when I visited. Now I realize that half my ancestors are buried there, including some Kings & Queens. Guess this American is just gonna have to go back. London is such an amazing city. Thanks for showcasing the Abbey & letting me see it when I’m so far away!!!

Absolutely beautiful!!! Wish I could see it !❤❤❤

I wept when I saw the tomb of Elizabeth I. She has been my hero since I was a teenager, many years ago.

Many thanks, Sir David and Dan - well done!. This presentation brought back many memories of the two visits that I was so fortunate to have made to the Abbey (2005 & 2011). Both times I purchased the the verger conducted tours. The first was on a vacation while still single, The second was with my wife. It is an experience that I wanted to share with her. While she was unsure of going into a Protestant church, being Catholic, the verger put her mind at ease explaining that it was originally a Catholic abbey, and any Catholics in the group were most welcome.

A very accessible and informative documentary, beautifully filmed. Would have enjoyed seeing the tombs in more detail perhaps, but nonetheless a wonderful and well presented tour - thank you :)

My husband and I will be visiting the Abbey this May during our 30th wedding anniversary trip to London and Paris!

Loved listening to Sir David Cannadine, a wonderful and witty speaker.

Thank you so much for posting this. Westminster Abbey is simply incredible, in how much history it has seen, but also how much history it contains.

I wish I had enough money to travel. I'm American, but I've never felt connected with our history. Something about English history just draws me in. It's on my bucket list to go there and see all these amazing places. I feel like I was born in the wrong country lol

This is eerie. This popped up on YT just now, and HM Queen Elizabeth II has died mere days ago, her body is currently still lying instate in Edinburgh with people passingby her coffin as I write, then about to leave for London, stopping at Buckingham Palace, then Westminster Abbey, then off to Windsor Castle, to be reunited with Prince Philip, & her parents & sister. I must look to see if you've done videos on the other sacred places where monarchs are interred in Britain. I'm amazed at the difference between memorials to Churchill vs Isaac Newton (that globe of the world is huge). Great video. I thought you videos were behind paywalls (last I noticed), so I was pleased to see this one available. Anyway, all rather eerie, the timing of this, re the Queen's death... and you also talking about not having seen a Coronation. That's amazing that the British Royal Family are the only one to do it, but I do vaguely remember that it was kind of a simple handover when the Dutch Queen (many Dutch Queens there for awhile) handed over the job to her son Willem-Alexander (and after that, it's back to another queen, since he has 3 daughters, lol). It'll be interesting in the Danish Queen steps aside now that she just had her Golden Jubilee (& how amazing that she toned down her celebrations in view of our Queen Elizabeth's death... yet all the European monarchs are related through a Danish King Christian, then later through Queen Victoria). I'll be interested to see what videos you do as a result of the major changing of the guard from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III. 🤴 I've been watching news from Australia of the Royal Family almost 24/7 since it was reported that the Queen was 'dying'. Anyway, all the best. From Adelaide, South Australia 🇦🇺

This could have been so much better had the cameraman not been focusing so much on these two men standing and talking to each other, and instead given turned the camera to the actual surroundings. It is frustrating to see them stare at something off-camera, obviously amazed with it, and not being able to see it ourselves!