Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors

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.

Cameras focus on heritage cleaner Vittoria, who cares for the tomb of The Unknown Warrior, an unidentified soldier killed on the Western Front during the First World War. Meanwhile, led by minor canon Mark Birch, preparations are underway for a service of thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day, anniversary of one of the bloodiest battles of World War I, the Gallipoli landings.

Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, pays a visit to the abbey, and meets with his friend and colleague, Canon Tricia Hillas. She is chaplain to the speaker, and Tricia takes Lindsay on a tour of the Chapter House.