A look inside one of the UK's most renowned and historical buildings. After losing around £1million pounds a month during the last year, cameras follow the huge recovery efforts of the Abbey's 300-strong team of staff and volunteers. It is crucial the Abbey recuperates some of these lost funds and open its doors once again to services, events and the royals
With the Abbey hosting memorials of national importance, it is crucial that its ancient structure is in tip-top shape. Clerk of the works Ian Bartlett puts the finishing touches to a serious problem on the roof. His deputy Iain McDonald carries out a survey of the Abbey's iconic Hawksmoor towers, which means abseiling 69 metres above the structure's main exit
It is Holy Week at Westminster Abbey and preparations have begun for some of the most important few days in their year. Music Director James O'Donnell has to get the choir into perfect tune. Meanwhile, Matthew Payne, Keeper of the Muniments (the abbey's vast collection of documents), turns detective and investigates something mysterious.
Outside in the abbey greenhouse, head gardener Jan Pancheri is hard at work putting the finishing touches to her garden tour in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays a visit to the abbey to meet with his friend and colleague canon Tricia Hillas, chaplain to the speaker.
Christmas is the most intense time of year at the abbey and the season begins with Advent. Relative newbie, minor canon Bob is in charge of this dramatic service, which involves multiple candles being held aloft to represent the light of Christ coming into the world. Music is a vital part of the DNA of the abbey. Under the supervision of choirmaster James O' Donnell, the choristers rehearse for the Christmas carol concerts to come. It's a special time for James, as it's his last Christmas at the abbey after being there for more than 20 years. In the library, the dean inspects a precious medieval document. The richly illustrated Litlyngton Missal records how the abbey celebrated Christmas six centuries ago. Lorraine, head honcho of the abbey's in-house restaurant, is looking for inspiration for her Christmas lunch menu. Archivist Mathew digs out details of the abbey's seasonal celebrations in Tudor times. But will geese, capons, spices, and gallons and gallons of ale really make it onto
Bell ringers are poised to ring for the Queen's birthday. Head gardener Jan puts the finishing touches to her garden tour in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.