Postcards from Bath #3

Postcards from Bath #3: Bath Abbey

The present Bath Abbey was completed in 1617, on the site of a much earlier Norman church, itself built where a Saxon abbey stood. The monastic abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. Elizabeth I ordered the restoration of the church and it is now Bath's parish church. It is accessed from an attractive piazza that also has the entrance (on the right of my photo) to the Pump Room and the restored Roman spa baths, after which Bath is famously named. 

The interior of Bath Abbey is wonderfully bright due to its huge, clear glass windows high up along the nave, from which light bounces off the pale stonework. The ceiling has beautiful fan vaulting, the original in the chancel and a Victorian copy, replacing a wooden ceiling, in the nave. 

One of the stained glass windows commemorates the coronation of Edgar, first King of all England, who was crowned in the Saxon abbey in 973. Next year's coronation of our new monarch, Charles III, will have its roots in that historic ceremony. 

The wonderful fan vaulting in the chancel, by Robert and William Vertue, was completed in 1611:

The church is famous for its many memorials and plaques, including the burial place of Beau Nash, a celebrated dandy, who played a leading role in making Bath the most fashionable resort in 18th century England. The memorial below commemorates a Baronet, and is typical of the elaborate Victorian funerary tradition. 

Both the exterior and interior of the Abbey feature many angels. 

The Abbey from the High Street, with the Guildhall to the left, is an equally imposing view. The open-top bus you can see makes regular tours around the city, with a descriptive audio commentary. Of course, I couldn't hear the commentary, but I nevertheless enjoyed the ride around the main sights - a good way to 'get one's bearings' in a new place.