Dean's Yard

Dean's Yard is a large, gated green quadrangle tucked behind Westminster Abbey in the City of Westminster, London. It is one of the quietest corners of one of the busiest districts in the capital, and it preserves a good part of the old monastic precinct of the abbey.

What is Dean's Yard?

The yard makes up most of the remaining grounds of the medieval Westminster monastery that are not covered by buildings. It is a square of lawn surrounded by school buildings, church offices and historic houses. Vehicles are kept out, so the atmosphere is calm, with the traffic of Parliament Square only a short walk away.

Why do students call it "Green"?

Members of Westminster School know the yard simply as "Green". The pupils have, through long use, acquired the exclusive right to sit, read and play games on the grass, football among them. This is why a visitor will often see students crossing the lawn or relaxing between lessons. It is a working part of a school rather than a public park, so it is best admired with respect for those who use it every day.

A short history

Westminster School grew out of a charity school run by the abbey's Benedictine monks. A statute of Henry VIII secured its future in 1540, and Elizabeth I granted it a charter in 1560. The yard sat at the heart of this world of monks, scholars and clergy.

For several centuries, until the early seventeenth century, the yard was only about a third of its present size. To the south stood the dormitory of the Queen's Scholars, which in monastic times had been the granary. The stones of that building now support Church House, a conference centre and office building of the Church of England. The high railings that once enclosed the yard were taken down in 1967.

What surrounds the yard?

• East: school buildings.
• South: Church House, with its conference rooms and Church of England offices.
• West: more school buildings and the Westminster Abbey Choir School.
• North: an archway leading toward the Great Sanctuary, with Abbey offices and part of the Deanery, the house of the Dean of Westminster.

The name is generally explained by the Deanery beside it.

Visiting tips

• Dean's Yard is a gated, semi-private space, so check access before you plan a visit and respect any restrictions.
• It combines well with a visit to Westminster Abbey, which is just next door.
• Look for the contrast between the lawn and the stone buildings, and for the archway at the north side.
• It is a small place, so a short stop is enough.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dean's Yard? Directly beside Westminster Abbey, in the City of Westminster, central London.

Why is it called "Green"? This is the nickname used by Westminster School pupils, who have long had the right to sit and play on the lawn.

Can cars enter? No. The quadrangle is closed to public traffic.

Who uses it today? Mainly Westminster School pupils, with the Abbey Choir School, Abbey staff and Church House nearby.

What is Church House? A conference centre and office building of the Church of England on the south side of the yard, built with stones from the old monastic granary.