Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors

55min

Documentary

From 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.

Episodes

Cast

Episode 1

1. Episode 1

44min

22nd Sep 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

2. Episode 2

44min

29th Sep 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

3. Episode 3

44min

6th Oct 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

4. Episode 4

44min

13th Oct 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

5. Episode 5

20th Oct 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

6. Westminster Abbey at Christmas

55min

21st Dec 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.

First air date

22nd Sep 2022

Last air date

21st Dec 2022

Status

Returning Series

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks