Stephen Hawking's ashes laid to rest at 900-year-old Westminster Abbey

Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds the world has ever known, had his ashes buried between Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Hawking passed away at the age of 76 back in March 2018 and was given the honor of being laid to rest at the Scientists' Corner at Westminster Abbey.

More than a thousand people attended the private ceremony, but those who didn't have the luck to be selected from among the 25 000 applicants were able to witness it through pictures and videos shared on Twitter.

Aside from Hawking's wife, Jane, and daughter, Lucy, many celebrities made sure not to miss the beautiful moment, including Matt Hancock, Jeremy Corbyn, Nile Rogers, Piers Morgan and David Walliams.

According to Astronomer Royal Martin Rees, 'nobody else since Einstein has done more to deepen our understanding of space and time,' a subject that Hawking worked on his entire life.

The prestigious scientist conducted groundbreaking research regarding black holes and the origins of the universe, and his work earned him worldwide recognition.

He was known as one of the best communicators of science and regarded as a true authority when it came to space. His books and lectures widened the horizons of millions of people and he proved that a continuous search for knowledge was vital for one's enlightenment.

The funeral service had poetry by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a biblical reading by Benedict Cumberbatch and a reading from Queen Mab by astronaut Tim Peake.

Kip Thorne, one of Hawking's closest friends, was also present to honor the brilliant scientist. According to NBC News, Thorne admired how Hawking 'refused to let his physical disability get in the way of doing great science or having great fun.'

Throughout his life, the late 76-year-old also managed to make appearances in several popular TV shows, such as The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

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