Stephen Hawking memorial service open to public at Westminster Abbey

Stephen Hawking's memorial service will be open to the public at Westminster Abbey next month.

Up to 1,000 tickets will be available in a ballot for the special service on June 15, during which the award-winning scientist's ashes will be interred between Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Stephen Hawking was considered one of the greatest physicists in the world. Hawking.com

The family said they were grateful for allowing Professor Hawking 'such a distinguished final resting place'.

The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said the event would celebrate 'not only his remarkable achievements as a scientist, but also his character and endurance through his years living with a devastating illness'.

After the service Westminster Abbey will open its doors to allow the public to pay their respects at Hawking's grave.

It comes after a smaller funeral for Hawking, who was considered one of the world's greatest physicists, was held near his home at the university church, Great St Mary's, in Cambridge, on March 31.

Eddie Redmayne, who played Hawking in the film about his life, The Theory of Everything, spoke at the service alongside several others.

You can apply for tickets for the Westminster Abbey thanksgiving service at stephenhawkinginterment.com.

The ballot closes at midnight on May 15.

News
What is the Filoque Controversy in the Nicene Creed?
What is the Filoque Controversy in the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed was formulated 1,700 years ago in AD 325 at the Council of Nicaea. Later, one clause in it called the Filoque was a cause of division between the Eastern and Western Church. This is the story …

Top BBC journalist to speak at London church service
Top BBC journalist to speak at London church service

A leading BBC journalist will share insights gained while covering the war in Ukraine during a poignant remembrance service in London on the evening of 11 November.

Heroes of rescue: from war’s frontlines to today’s fight for freedom
Heroes of rescue: from war’s frontlines to today’s fight for freedom

We may not be on a battlefield today, but we still live in what CS Lewis called ‘enemy-occupied territory’.

Churches remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday
Churches remember the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

Churches across the country are joining in Remembrance Sunday commemorations in honour of all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.