Bath Abbey is a beautiful Gothic church in the city of Bath, England. It is one of the most iconic and impressive religious buildings in the country, with its soaring spire and beautiful stained glass windows. It is a Grade I listed building and is a major tourist attraction in the city.
History
The Abbey was founded in the 7th century by St. Aldhelm, the first Bishop of Sherborne. It was originally a Benedictine monastery and was the first abbey in the West Country. It was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, but the church was rebuilt in the late 16th century in the Gothic style. The spire was added in the 17th century and the interior was remodeled in the 19th century.
Architecture
The Abbey is an impressive example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring spire, elaborate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows. The spire is the tallest in the city and is visible from many parts of the city. Inside the Abbey there is a large nave and two aisles, with a marble floor and a wooden ceiling. There are also several chapels and an impressive organ.
Notable Features
The Abbey is home to many impressive features, including the following:
- The Organ: The organ is one of the largest in the country and has more than 4,000 pipes. It is regularly used for concerts and services.
- The Stained Glass Windows: The stained glass windows in the Abbey are some of the finest examples in the country. They depict religious scenes and important figures from the Bible.
- The Coronation Chair: The Coronation Chair is a wooden chair which is believed to have been used by King Edward I in 1278 to crown his son, Edward II. It is now on display in the Abbey.
Events
The Abbey is a popular venue for events, such as concerts, lectures and exhibitions. It is also a popular venue for weddings and christenings.
The Music Festival
The Bath Music Festival is held every year in the Abbey. It is a popular event which attracts visitors from all over the country. The festival features classical, jazz and folk music, as well as lectures and workshops.
Visiting the Abbey
The Abbey is open to visitors all year round. There are guided tours available and there is also an audio tour which can be downloaded from the Abbey’s website. The Abbey is a popular tourist attraction and is definitely worth a visit.