Burials and Tombs at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey stands as a captivating testament to the rich tapestry of archival historical facts, much like many other cathedrals and churches scattered across London and the broader expanse of the United Kingdom. During my travels in England, I was consistently struck by the profound historical significance these sacred spaces hold. Each church and its accompanying Parish records serve as veritable sponges, absorbing the intricate details of our past generations. We mustn't underestimate the invaluable information contained within these archives, as they offer a window into the lives of our ancestors. This realisation has been particularly significant in my journey of uncovering the history of my Bond family lineage, and the records I have accessed have been instrumental since the inception of my genealogical research. In London and throughout the entirety of England, I have unearthed Church and Parish records that meticulously document the births, marriages, and deaths of my ancestors, extending far beyond just two or three generations; I have been able to trace my lineage back many more generations than I initially anticipated. The beauty of these records lies in their potential to reveal information about multiple individuals within a single document. Often, one can discover that numerous generations have left their mark in the historical annals of a particular church, creating a rich narrative of familial connections and community history. As you embark on your own genealogical quest, I encourage you to dig deep and research thoroughly. Leave no stone unturned and no favourable record behind as you navigate through the wealth of information available to you. Each discovery can provide a vital piece of the puzzle that is your family history, enriching your understanding of where you come from and the lives lived by those who came before you.

Westminster Abbey, in particular, is not just a site of architectural splendour; it is a place of extraordinary historical significance that many travellers consider essential to their itineraries. For those family historians who find themselves with the Abbey on their travel list, I highly recommend exploring the opportunities for deeper engagement with this historical site. The Abbey offers various resources, including a helpful link for Verger-guided tours, which can enhance your visit and provide insights into the rich history and heritage encapsulated within its walls. These tours can illuminate the stories behind the stones, allowing visitors to appreciate not only the beauty of the Abbey but also the profound narratives of those who have been intertwined with its history over the centuries. Whether you are a devoted historian or a casual visitor, Westminster Abbey is sure to leave an indelible mark on your understanding of England's past and its enduring legacy.

Westminster Abbey London England

As we know it today, Westminster Abbey traces its origins back to the year 1245, when the ambitious construction project was initiated under the directives of King Henry III. This iconic structure has since evolved into a significant symbol of British history and culture. Over the centuries, it has become the final resting place for more than 3,300 individuals, including an impressive lineage of 16 monarchs and 8 prime ministers, alongside a multitude of other notable figures who have shaped the course of British history. The sheer volume and variety of individuals interred at Westminster Abbey reflect the rich tapestry of the nation's past, making it a veritable treasure trove for historians and genealogists alike.

I vividly recall my visit to Westminster Abbey during my time in London, an experience that left a profound impact on me. As I took my first steps past the grand entrance, I was immediately enveloped by the grandeur and solemn atmosphere that permeates the space. The intricate architecture, the soaring ceilings, and the reverent silence all combined to create a sense of awe. Although my exploration was limited to areas designated for self-guided tours, I was nonetheless captivated by the names etched into the memorials and tombs that surrounded me. Each name represented a life lived, a story told, and a legacy left behind. At that moment, I was blissfully unaware that I was a descendant of some of the illustrious individuals entombed within those hallowed walls.

Fast forward to today, and if I were to revisit Westminster Abbey, I would do so armed with the knowledge that I have 37 ancestors interred there, all part of my Bond family lineage. This revelation is nothing short of astounding; while some may find it unbelievable, to me, it is a testament to the countless hours of meticulous research I have dedicated over the years. The journey of uncovering my ancestry has spanned an impressive 17 to 18 years, during which I painstakingly researched each of the 37 ancestors to establish their rightful place in our family tree, ultimately connecting them to Westminster Abbey.

When embarking on the journey of researching our family histories, one must remain open to the unexpected surprises that may arise at any moment. It is essential to approach this endeavour with a willingness to dig deeper into the newfound facts, as the path of genealogical research is often winding and full of twists. The 37 individual ancestors I discovered, all of whom are entombed at Westminster Abbey, are a testament to the rich history of my family. Each ancestor played a specific role in shaping the events of their time, and studying their lives not only enriches our understanding of our family's legacy but also provides insight into the broader historical context in which they lived.

I wholeheartedly encourage fellow ancestral researchers to follow the threads of their lineage, wherever they may lead. The journey may take you to unexpected places, and you may find yourself standing in awe at a site like Westminster Abbey, just as I did. Through diligent research and a passion for uncovering the past, you too may discover connections that inspire you to share your own ancestral research and history with others. The stories of our ancestors are not just personal; they are woven into the fabric of our collective history, waiting to be uncovered and celebrated. Below, I have listed the names of my 37 ancestors who are interred at Westminster Abbey, each one a vital piece of the puzzle that forms my family's rich heritage.

1. Henry III Plantagenet King, 22nd great-grandfather, Eleanor De Provence, 22nd great-grandmother, buried at Amesbury Priory. 2. Thomas Owen, 11th great-grandfather. 3 - 4. Edward I Longshanks Plantagenet, King, 21st great-grandfather. Eleanor De Castile, Queen, 21st great-grandmother. 5 - 6. Edward III of Windsor Plantagenet, King, 21st great-grandfather. Philippa De Hainault, Queen, 21st great-grandmother. 7 - 8. Richard II Plantagenet King, 1st Cousin 21x removed, Anne Bohemia Queen, Wife of 1st Cousin 21x removed. 9. Emma De Normandy, Queen, 29th great-grandmother. 10 - 11 Edward the Confessor, De England King, 28th great-grand-uncle, Edith De Wessex, Wife of 28th great-grand-uncle. 12. Henry V De Lancaster King, 2nd Cousin 20x removed. 13. Edward V of England, child King, 5th Cousin 14x removed. 14. Henry VII of England, King, 6th Cousin 14x removed. 15. Edward VI of England, King, 7th Cousin 12x removed. 16. Anne of Cleaves, Wife of 6th Cousin 13x removed. 17. Mary I of England, Queen, 7th Cousin 12x removed. 18. Elizabeth I of England, Queen, 4th Cousin 14x removed. 19. Cnut (Canute) the Great King, 30th great-grandfather. 20. Anne Neville, Queen, 2nd Cousin 17x removed. 21 - 22. Elizabeth Seymour / Percy, 8th Cousin 8x removed, Huge 1st Duke of Northumberland Smithson / Percy, Husband of 8th Cousin 8x removed. 23. Elizabeth Anne Frances Percy, 9th Cousin 6x removed. 24. Marie De La Garde Peliot / Bond, Wife of 9th Cousin 10x removed. 25 - 26. George Augustus II, Hanover King, 13th Cousin 6x removed, Wilhelmine Charlotte Karoline Von Brandenburg Ansbach, Wife of 13th Cousin 6x removed. 27. Mary I Stewart Queen, 8th Cousin 11x removed. 28. James VI Stewart King, 9th Cousin 10x removed. 29. Elizabeth Stewart, 10th Cousin 9x removed. 30. Charles II Stewart King, 11th Cousin 8x removed. 31 - 32. Anne Stewart Queen, 12th Cousin 7x removed, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, 13th Cousins 6x removed.

33. George of Denmark, Prince, Husband of 12th Cousin 7x removed. 34 -35. William II - III Orange of England, King, 12th Cousin 7x removed, Mary II Stuart, Queen, 12th Cousin 7x removed. 36. George Seymour, 8th Cousin 7x removed.

37. Denis Bond 1st Cousin 22x removed. (NEW Discovery)

Marie De La Garde Peliot was the wife of Sir Thomas Bond, 1st baronet, comptroller of the household of Queen Henrietta Maria and son of Dr. Thomas Bond and Catherine Osbaldeston. She was the daughter of Charles Peliot, she died circa August 1696 and was buried 12th August 1696 at Westminster Abbey, Westminster London England.

Children of Marie De La Garde Peliot and Sir Thomas Bond 1st Baronet:

1. Mary Charlotte Bond. c.1556 - 1708 m Sir William Cage 2nd Baronet had issue.

2. Sir Henry Bond 2nd Baronet.

3. Thomas Bond.

Denis Bond was a prosperous Woollen Draper an MP and Mayor of Dorchester, the son of John Bond and Margaret Pitt. He sided with the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War and was named to become a commissioner at the trial of King Charles 1, for treason on 20th Jan 1649, an appointment he managed to avoid serving. Denis sat in the House of Commons 1640 - 1656, during the Commonwealth, he served as president of the Council of State. He was husband to Joan Gould and then to Lucy Lawrence. There is a great deal of recorded information on the life of Denis Bond the M.P. for the budding researcher to discover. Himself a dedicated family historian he went to lengths to establish and document his genealogical knowledge of his family history to be recognised as a gentleman.

Children of Denis Bond and Joan Gould:

1. Dr John Bond, MP. LLD. MA.

2. Joan Bond 1613 - 1614.

3. Joan Bond 1615 - 1620.

4. William Bond 1617 - 1669 m Elizabeth Helmer had an issue.

5. Sarah Bond 1618 -.

Children of Denise Bond and Lucy Lawrence:

1. Samuel Bond, MP. 1623 - 1773 m Hester Holland had issue.

2. Mary Bond 1624 - 1645.

3. Elizabeth Bond 1626 - 1627.

4. James Bond 1628 - 1638.

5. Onesiphorus Bond 1630 - 1697.

6. Nathaniel Bond, MP. 1634 - 1707 m Elizabeth Churchill had issue.

Denis Bond was buried at Westminster on 30th Aug 1658 and his body was later exhumed and buried on the grounds of St Margarets, Westminster. He is now paying eternal due pennants for his support of Cromwell and siding with the Parliamentarians.

Source: Burials at Westminster Abbey. Recommended reading: The Obedientiaries of Westminster Abbey and their Financial Records, by Barbara Harvey. Treasures of Westminster Abbey, by Tony Trowels. Westminster Abbey, by David Cannadine. Copyright © Noel Bond. Researched and written by Noel Bond, no written part of this Blog may be reproduced in any form, by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.