The Cosmati Pavement

Posted by Natasha Sheldon Jul 5, 2008

The Cosmati Pavement is one of Westminster Abbey's hidden treasures. Completed in the 13th century, it takes its name from geometric design known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who created it in medieval Rome.

The design has been described as 'carpet like', incorporating fragments of semi precious stone, marble and metal into a design that that would have made the floor before the High Altar quite literally shine.

After being hidden for years under carpet, the pavement is about to shine again. Conservators are cleaning and stabilizing it with the ultimate aim of putting it on public display once more.