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Second World War
At the outbreak of World War Two may artifacts were removed from Westminster Abbey in fear that they would be damaged or stolen. The Abbey was protected with tens of thousands of sandbags, intended to protect the building and valuable objects that were not moved out. Westminster suffered minor damage during the Blitz on 15 November 1940, the only notable damage was the loss of some stained glass windows. Then on 10/11 May 1941, the Westminster Abbey precincts and roof were hit by incendiary bombs. All the bombs were extinguished by ARP wardens, except for one bomb which ignited out of reach among the wooden beams and plaster vault of the lantern roof (of 1802) over the North Transept. Flames rapidly spread and burning beams and molten lead began to fall on the wooden stalls, pews and other ecclesiastical fixtures 130 feet below. Winston Churchill, knowing the importance of the Abbey to the people and visitors of England said, "The abbey must be saved at all costs." Soon the water tanks were empty and despite the falling debris, the staff dragged away as much furniture as possible before withdrawing. Finally the Lantern roof crashed down into the crossing, preventing the fires from spreading further. Unfortunately, detailed records were not kept and it is unknown what exactly was lost from the Abbey.

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