A Service of Thanksgiving for the life and work of Sir John Chilcot GCB, PC, will be held in St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey at 12 Noon on Friday 27th May 2022.

Sir John Chilcot was a distinguished public servant. Much of his early career was in the Home Office where he served at a senior level dealing with criminal justice, policing and prisons. He also served as private secretary to the head of the civil service and to three Home Secretaries (Roy Jenkins, Merlyn Rees and William Whitelaw).

For seven years (1990-97) he was permanent secretary at the Northern Ireland Office. There he guided British government policy in the political and peace process which culminated in the IRA and loyalist ceasefires and the Good Friday Agreement.

After leaving the civil service in 1997 he continued with important public appointments, a number involving the police and the intelligence community. He served on the Independent Commission on the Voting System (1997-8) and on the Review of the Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction. Most important, he was head of the Iraq War Inquiry (2009-16) into the circumstances surrounding the 2003 invasion of Iraq and its aftermath.

Admission to the Service is possible by clicking on REGISTER above. Choose from one of the categories listed and book the tickets you require, leaving the information that is requested.

A link to your ticket(s) will be sent to the email address you give. Print out and bring the ticket(s) with you or organise to have an image on your phone to show security at the church on entry. The Abbey does not share the data you leave with third parties.

There is likely to be a bag search prior to entry. The nearest toilet facilities are located in the Abbey Cloisters or at Westminster Central Hall.

Members of the congregation are requested to be seated by 11.45 am.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? The nearest underground stations : St James's Park and Westminster.

Do I need to bring my printed ticket(s) to the event? Either bring the ticket, yes please or have an image on the phone to be able to show.

What time do the doors open? 11.20 am.

What Covid preparations have been made : Sanitizer gel is available on arrival , the wearing of face masks is optional, you can social distance in the church, please do not attend if you have Covid symptoms and feel unwell or if you have had a recent positive result.

How long will the Service last? Approximately an hour.

What if I have special needs? The church has sloped access for those in wheelchairs or with walking aids. Email special.events@westminster-abbey.org if you have particular concerns around arrival and parking.