麻豆APP

Bath Abbey (16th century, with 19th century restoration) By Steve Cadman from London –

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey is the biggest and best attractions beautiful city of Bath in Somerset. The Abbey is stationed on a site that has been a place of worship for over one thousand years, but of course, it is much different in appearance to how it was then, having been revamped and remolded over the years.

Not only that, but the Abbey has had its good and bad times over the years, having risen from the ashes of many a wartime attack, reforms of architecture, and of course, WWI and II. Luckily for the city of Bath, its Abbey still stands proudly to this day, attracting tourists and providing an amazing location. While taking a ride on a hot air balloon in Bath, be on the lookout for Bath Abbey, which is old with lots of lore and history.  

1. It鈥檚 not the first church on its site

Three separate churches have been known to be located on the site of Bath Abbey, the first dating back to 757 AD. This was an Anglo-Saxon monastery, which was reduced to rubble by the Normans when they conquered England.

The Normans then built a huge cathedral on the site, construction of which started in 1090, and which was little more than ruins by the end of the 15th Century. The current Abbey Church was then built.

2. It鈥檚 fit for a king

Bath abbey By Granboca –

A fact that makes Bath Abbey special is that it was the chosen venue for the coronation of King Edgar, the first King of England.

He was crowned on the site way back in 973, and this was the event that set the precedent for future royal coronations in England. In 1973, Queen Elizabeth II visited Bath Abbey for a service to mark 1000 years since the coronation of King Edgar. There is a stone commemorating this royal visit in the floor of the Abbey.

3. It was inspired by a dream

Bishop Oliver King ordered the monks to rebuild the Abbey in 1499. They built a new church on the site of the old cathedral. The cathedral had decayed because the monks did not have enough money to maintain it. Many of the most beautiful parts of today鈥檚 Abbey date from this time.

The Abbey is famous for the ladders of angels that climb up and down the West Front. There is a legend that Oliver King had a dream or vision. In this dream, he saw angels, an olive tree and a crown. He heard a voice saying 鈥楲et an Olive establish a crown and let a King restore the Church.鈥� The angels on the front of the Abbey are said to refer to this dream. There is a crown, olive tree, and bishop鈥檚 mitre on the West Front in honor of Oliver King. 

4. It underwent a major change a century and a half ago

Bath abbey By Diego Delso –

Bath Abbey as we recognize it today was created by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who gave the building a massive revamp between the years of 1864 and 1874. He transformed the building in the Victorian Gothic style that was so popular when he was working in the city.

His most important change done to the Abbey was the inclusion of stone fan vaulting above its nave.

5. There were holes in the ceiling

If you look closely at the magnificent fan-arched ceiling, you can just about spot a few small holes which are a few centimeters across. No one can be certain of exactly why they are there, but one of the holes is in such a convenient place as to let the bell ringers spot when a newly married couple are exiting down the aisle. This gave them just enough time to get back to ring the bells ready for the opening of the Abbey doors.

6. Unique fan vaulting

View Of Bath Abbey From The Roman Baths Gallery By Graham Rice –

An outstanding example of fan vaulting in the country would be the Abbey鈥檚 beautiful ceiling. It was built by Henry VII鈥檚 builders, the Vertue brothers, Robert and William in the early 1500s. However, it wasn鈥檛 finished until the 19th century which is why if you look closely, the ceiling looks slightly different at different ends of the church.

Building work on the present Abbey church began around 1499, but it wasn’t finished and used as a parish church until 1616. From start to finish, the building work took close to 120 years.

7. It has the Commonwealth Window

The aim of this blog is to provide the history and the answers, but this is going to be the one question I ask. A Commonwealth stained glass window is found in Bath Abbey. Right to left, are the countries; Canada, South Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand each having their own pane.

It is usually rare to see Canada in a European cathedral or church other than a soldier鈥檚 grave, so it was a lovely sighting. (And I must say, the panes themselves are gorgeous and well-crafted. The details are impeccable!) If you find yourself in Bath Abbey, or know anyone who works there, please pass them this puzzling question!

8. The West End

Bath Abbey By Elvbel –

Most people, me included, approach the Abbey from the West End (where the Roman Baths are), and it makes a statement from start to finish. I鈥檝e got a History Bite on the West End Doors, but the West End at a whole is worth taking a few moments. Flanked by two of Jacob鈥檚 Ladders, it is accompanied appropriately by angels coming and going from heaven.

Whomever designed these ladders was a bit confused by ladders, though- the angels descending to earth are climbing down the ladder head first (as you do). In any case, I think it is particularly beautiful for a parish church.

9. The Montagu Legacy

The Montagu family can be seen all over Bath Abbey, and for good reason. A visible mark on the Abbey, which belonged to the Montagu family who presided over it for half a millennium is still quite noticeable. Right after Henry VIII鈥檚 Dissolution of the Monasteries, abandoned the Abbey sat. The stained glass windows and lead roof were removed, and it was left alone. It became the parish church of Bath, on a decision that was considered by Queen Elizabeth.

James Montagu was the Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1616 and 1618, and donated 拢1,000 for a new roof. Henry Montagu, 1st Earl of Manchester, was James鈥� brother, and donated the heavy wooden doors that you can still see on the West End. Even though James Montagu would go on to be the Bishop of Winchester, he became entombed in Bath Abbey. Today, his tomb and the 鈥淗oni Soit Qui Mal Y Pense鈥� of the British Order of the Garter can still be seen.

10. The Tower Tour

the tower on Bath Abbey in Bath, Somerset By Erebus555 –

The Bath Abbey Tower Tour definitely had to feature on this list! More and more cathedrals and abbeys are starting to offer tower tours. These historic buildings are expensive to maintain and restore, however, they are wonderful way to raise money. In addition, they offer a better understanding of building鈥檚 past. When restoration work is done, it rarely extended to the towers and ceilings.

Heading up the many stairs for the Bath Abbey tower, you a feeling of standing 300 years in the past. From any height, the Bath鈥檚 golden limestone buildings are spectacular, especially in the afternoon sunlight.