The West Front

Statues of 20th century martyrs on the West Front of Westminster Abbey

Having spent no more than a few minutes taking a few photographs of the North Transept and North Aisle, during a quick exploration of the exterior of Westminster Abbey, I again stopped briefly to look at its West Front.

A general view of the West Front

This was the last phase of building and was completed in 1745 to a design of Nicholas Hawksmoor, who had died before it was finished, the West Front has also had its fair share of criticism – not least because of the use of Classical architectural elements in what is otherwise an early example of the Gothic Revival style.

A general view of the West Front

Built entirely in Portland limestone, which is a good durable building stone, the West Front was nonetheless subject to an extensive programme of restoration during the 1990's, culminating in the carving of ten statues of 20th century martyrs - filling the niches above the west door which had been empty since its construction.

The West Front of Westminster Abbey