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Leonie Jameson

Flavia Rittner

Westminster Abbey: Episode 2

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Episode 2

BBC Two - Westminster Abbey, Episode 2

The choir prepares for a historic trip to Rome, and building work reveals some surprises.

A look behind the scenes of the thousand-year-old abbey. The choir prepares for a historic Papal Mass in Rome and building work on a new cafe unveils some archaeological surprises.

The unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at one of Britain's most iconic landmarks follows the choir of Westminster Abbey as they prepare for a historic visit to Rome to sing with the Sistine Chapel Choir in the Papal Mass in St Peter's Basilica. For the Abbey Choir and the Sistine Chapel Choir, rehearsing and performing together is a significant moment in the history of both the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

The choir received this invitation from Pope Benedict XVI after his historic visit to the abbey in 2010. The Dean of Westminster reflects movingly on his hopes towards reconciliation between the two churches.

On a more intimate note, minor canon the Rev Dr James Hawkey and his fiancee Carol Ripley tie the knot. This is the first wedding to take place at the high altar of the abbey since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Venerable Dr Jane Hedges, one of the first women to be ordained and the first female canon appointed at Westminster Abbey, explains the central role of tourism. Finally, continuing the abbey's Benedictine tradition of hospitality, building for a new cafe is underway and in the process unveils a few archaeological surprises.

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A look at the iconic landmark, following the people who work and worship there.

An unprecedented look behind the scenes of one of Britain's most iconic landmarks, following the lives of the people who work, worship and live in this unique community over the course of a year

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