Readers of this little volume must not expect to find in it a full description of the Abbey buildings, or a complete list of all the tombs, monuments, and other beautiful and interesting things in the Abbey Church. That is not the aim of this book. Its chief object is to point out to British children how they may follow the great outlines of their country’s history in Westminster Abbey, from the earliest ages down to our own time,—from the days of the far-off, legendary King Lucius to those of King Edward VII.

The words, “citizen of no mean city,” ought surely to come into our minds as we look round the Abbey and see there, as we clearly can see, a kind of outward expression of all that is best in our national character. The Abbey speaks to us of the deep religious feeling behind our shyness and reserve; of patriotism, and of self-sacrifice for our country; of love and respect for every form of good and noble service; of the wise moderation in our forms of government; of our wide sympathy with men of every race and creed.

It is thus that Westminster Abbey can truly claim to be our great National Church.