Crafting Protective Flooring for Westminster Abbey’s Cosmati Pavement - Made in North Wales
Preserving a beautiful piece of history, designed & hand-sewn by Linney Cooper in North Wales for a landmark in London.
At Linney Cooper, we take immense pride in bringing the finest craftsmanship in North Wales carpets and flooring to prestigious projects across the UK. One of our most notable recent undertakings involved creating a bespoke protective flooring solution for the historic Cosmati Pavement in Westminster Abbey’s Confessor’s Chamber.
This remarkable mosaic, dating back to 1268, surrounds Saint Edward the Confessor’s shrine and is a rare and treasured example of medieval artistry. Due to its immense historical and cultural value, preserving it requires expert handling and specialist materials.
The entire protective flooring was hand-sewn and custom-crafted by our skilled team at Linney Cooper’s North Wales warehouse. Beginning with a detailed mapping of the site, our in-house team designed a large felt rug with a precise cut-out to accommodate the shrine, bordered elegantly in linen herringbone. Every stitch and seam was carefully completed by hand in North Wales before being delivered and professionally installed in London by our fitting team.
This project showcases the high level of craftsmanship and care that goes into every job we do - whether it’s working in a royal heritage site or installing luxury carpets and flooring in homes and businesses across North Wales.
A National Treasure Beneath Our Feet
The Cosmati Pavement is not only architecturally striking—it’s a masterpiece of medieval mosaic work that holds deep symbolic meaning. Composed of porphyry, onyx, glass, and marble in intricate geometric patterns, the pavement was created by Italian artisans from the Cosmati family, who were invited to England during the reign of Henry III. It is the only example of its kind in the UK and one of the few remaining in Europe.
Located in front of the High Altar in Westminster Abbey, the Cosmati Pavement has witnessed countless royal ceremonies, including the coronation of nearly every English monarch since the 13th century. It is not only a physical centrepiece of the Abbey but also a spiritual and cultural touchstone in British history.
Protecting a Legacy with Modern Expertise
Given the pavement's age and fragility, protecting it from wear, environmental damage, and foot traffic is essential. Linney Cooper was entrusted with this task not only because of our technical capabilities but because of our heritage-minded approach. Our felt rug and linen border solution allows the floor to be shielded without compromising visibility or air circulation—key considerations in the conservation of ancient stonework and mosaic.
Projects like this highlight why Linney Cooper continues to be a trusted name in North Wales flooring solutions and beyond. From local homes to internationally significant landmarks, we bring a balance of tradition, quality, and innovation to every project.
Looking for expert advice or bespoke carpet and flooring services in North Wales? Speak to Linney Cooper today—we’re proud to bring generations of expertise to every floor we work on.
