The church as we know it today was founded by Henry III in the 13th century. He ordered the demolition of Edward the Confessor's royal palace and a monastery situated on the site. In its place, a new Gothic cathedral was built, which was consecrated in 1269. From then on, by decree of the King of England, Westminster Abbey was to be a place for the coronation and burial of monarchs. Today, over 3,000 people are buried or memorialized at Westminster Abbey, including 30 monarchs and notable historical figures such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Geoffrey Chaucer. The Coronation Chair in St George's Chapel is perhaps the most famous piece of furniture in the world. Poet's Corner, the Lady Chapel, the Chapter House, the Royal Tombs, the Unknown Warrior, the Pyx Chamber, the Quire, and the Cloisters are all part of