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Westminster Abbey, London: The Grave of the Unknown Warrior

The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is a tribute to those who died in World War One and international conflicts since.

In early November 1920, a number of unidentified bodies were exhumed from the battlefields of the Western Front. One was chosen to be interned at Westminster Abbey.

The body was brought to Britain on HMS Verdun and transported by train to Victoria Station.

On 11 November 1920 the body was buried at the Abbey during a service attended by the King. The Unknown Warrior had been greeted by a guard of honour made up of 100 recipients of the Victoria Cross.

There are more than 3,000 people buried at Westminster Abbey. According to the Dean of Westminster, The Grave of the Unknown Warrior lies foremost amongst them.

Location: Westminster Abbey, London SW1P 3PA
Image: The Grave of the Unknown Warrior, courtesy of IWM

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8 minutes

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