Chapter House and Pyx Chamber, History museum in Westminster Abbey, London, UK
The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber are two stone rooms on the east side of Westminster Abbey in London. The Chapter House has an octagonal shape with a slender central pillar supporting the vaulted ceiling, while the Pyx Chamber is an 11th-century rectangular room with round arches and thick walls.
The Pyx Chamber was built in the 11th century as part of the undercroft beneath the monks' dormitory, while the Chapter House was added in the 13th century under King Henry III. After the monasteries closed in 1540, the Chapter House was used to store royal records until the 19th century, when architect Sir George Gilbert Scott restored it.
The Chapter House played a dual role in the Middle Ages, serving both as a daily meeting room for monks and as an occasional gathering place for Parliament. The floor tiles, decorated with fish and religious scenes, reflect the mix of church life and royal power that shaped the space.
Both rooms are located inside Westminster Abbey and are reached through the abbey's main entrance, with access typically covered by the abbey ticket. The floors are uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
In 1303, thieves broke into the Westminster Abbey treasury and the stolen goods are believed to have come from the Pyx Chamber. A second door was added afterward to better protect the room, and it can still be seen today.
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