London: Westminster Abbey, where Prince William will marry Kate Middleton Friday, has a 1,000-year-old history and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs.

Benedictine monks first arrived at the site in the middle of the tenth century and started a tradition of daily worship that continues to this day, according to westminster-abbey.org.

It has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs.

The construction of the present church was begun by Henry III in 1245.

It is a treasure trove of paintings, stained glass, textiles and other artefacts.

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