The greatest physicist of his generation, Stephen Hawking, who passed away a week ago, will be laid to rest on March 31, alongside the graves of famous physicist Sir Isaac Newton and naturalist Charles Darwin.

The ashes of Stephen Hawking, who passed away on March 14, will be interred in London’s Westminster Abbey near the graves of Newton and Darwin. As per the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, this decision was a ‘fitting’ tribute to Hawking, who passed away at the age of 76 due to motor-neurone disease ALS.

“It is entirely fitting that the remains of Professor Stephen Hawking are to be buried in the Abbey, near those of distinguished fellow scientists. Sir Isaac Newton was buried in the Abbey in 1727. Charles Darwin was buried beside Isaac Newton in 1882. Other famous scientists are buried or memorialized nearby. We believe it to be vital that science and religion work together to seek to answer the great questions of the mystery of life and of the universe,” Hall said in the statement.

World mourns death of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking

Telegraph reported, the interment will take place after Hawking’s funeral at the University Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge, on March 31 and will be attended by family, friends and colleagues.

Hawking’s children Lucy, Robert and Tim expressed, “Our father lived and worked in Cambridge for over 50 years. He was an integral and highly recognizable part of the university and the city. For this reason, we have decided to hold his funeral in the city that he loved so much and which loved him.”

They added, “Our father’s life and work meant many things to many people, both religious and non-religious. So, the service will be both inclusive and traditional, reflecting the breadth and diversity of his life.”

According to CNN, the Abbey declared that a thanksgiving service would also be held to honor Hawking’s later this year.