LONDON (AFP) – Westminster Abbey wants to build a crown-shaped dome above the spot where every monarch has been crowned since 1066, its top clergyman said on Monday.
The corona would be part of a proposed 23-million-pound scheme which would also see a visitor and education centre added to the abbey, which dates back to 960 and is the burial place for 17 kings and queens.
Abbey officials are throwing the plans open for comment from the public and, if they receive approval, it is hoped the corona will be constructed in time for the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 2013.
Announcing the plans, the Dean of Westminster John Hall said: "It is an odd accident of history that, where so many great churches have a magnificent tower or spire or dome, the abbey remains unfinished over the site of every coronation since that of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066.
"Now is the time to consider afresh what should be built there."
Heir to the throne Prince Charles, who will likely be the next monarch to be crowned at the abbey, is well-known for his conservative views on architecture and drew criticism from top architect Richard Rogers this month after reportedly lobbying against one of his projects.