As I consider the respect of historic individuals in Westminster Abbey, it occurs to me that these types of significant sites and figures are usually required by nations. They provide people a feeling of identification, continuity and shared values. Westminster Abbey serves as a physical portrayal of British power, and the individuals it honours become part of a continuous story. “These heroes are the people that shaped this country.”

This specific British view is truly highlighted by the honouring of poets, monarchs and scientists in a Christian church such as Westminster Abbey. They seem to be suggesting that these people gave the country something of value, something that was nearly sacred, in their own unique ways. In other nations, where the lines between religion and state are more separate, this is not how things would be perceived. In Britain, it appears that national identity and faith have developed together over time. The Church of England’s close links to the government demonstrate that the Bible has served as more than just a text for teaching about religion. It was used as a manual for governing the nation, defining morality and even defining cultural norms.

Placing these significant individuals in a place of worship implies that the British view their success from a religious perspective. They seem to be combining these individuals into an overall story, a divine scheme. By paying this kind of respect to their own historical leaders, the British seem to be implying that these people contributed to something bigger than themselves. But there are also some difficult issues raised by this strong connection between church and state. Has the Bible occasionally been used to merely support the ruling class? The monarch’s religious position and the historical function of clergy in government imply that religious doctrine is sometimes employed to support the power of monarchs. I am extremely interested by the inclusion of individuals who were not primarily religious figures, such as writers and scientists. This points to a British understanding of Christianity that emphasises serving others in various capacities.

As far as I can tell, the Bible has shaped British society, law, and culture for centuries. The Bible was central to the Church of England. As a result, individuals began reading and analysing it in their native tongue. Over time, different groups within Britain have understood the Bible in different manners. Some concentrated on its narrative, some on its moral lessons, and some on its predictions. The English language and how people interpreted the Bible were greatly influenced by the King James Bible, a highly significant translation – in many respects, it became a uniting book.

I now know that the Bible has not always been interpreted in the same way throughout Britain. Being impacted by social and political movements, people turned to the Bible for teachings on equality and justice. In my opinion, it is amazing that a single structure can contain so much history and that a collection of statues can have so deep an impact on a country’s identity.