View source for Bath Abbey

{{Short description|Church in Somerset, England}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox church
| name                   = Bath Abbey
| fullname               = Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
| other name             = 
| image            = Bath Abbey from the South West.jpg
| imagesize        = 
| imagealt         = 
| landscape        = 
| caption          = Bath Abbey, UK, photographed from a south-westerly position
| pushpin map            = Somerset
| pushpin label position = 
| pushpin map alt        = 
| pushpin mapsize        = 
| relief                 = 
| map caption            = Location within Somerset
| coordinates            = {{Coord|51|22|53|N|02|21|32|W|region:GB-SOM_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| osgridref              = <!-- {{gbmappingsmall| TEXT}} -->
| osgraw                 = <!-- TEXT -->
| location               = [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Bath & North East Somerset|Somerset]]
| country                = [[England]]

| language(s)            = 
| denomination           = [[Church of England]]
| previous denomination  = [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]]
| tradition              = 
| religious institute    = <!-- or | religious order = -->
| churchmanship          = [[Low Church]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alfx.com/wd40/concerts/review8.htm|title=Parnham Voices — Par.4 Line 1|publisher=Alfx.com|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402130511/http://www.alfx.com/wd40/concerts/review8.htm|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
| membership             = 
| attendance             = 
| campuses               = 
| website                = [http://www.bathabbey.org www.bathabbey.org]

| former name            = <!-- or | former names = -->
| bull date              = 
| status                 = Active
| founded date           = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} - but see note below -->
| founder                = 
| dedication             = [[Saint Peter]] and [[Paul the Apostle|Saint Paul]]
| dedicated date         = 
| earlydedication        = 
| otherdedication        = 
| consecrated date       = 
| cult                   = 
| relics                 = 
| events                 = 
| past bishop            = [[James Montague (bishop)|James Montague]]
| people                 =

| functional status      = 
| heritage designation   = Grade I
| designated date        = 12 June 1950<ref name=nhle/>
| previous cathedrals    = 
| architect             = [[William Vertue]], [[Robert Vertue]], [[George Gilbert Scott]], [[George Phillips Manners]]
| architectural type     = [[Parish church]]
| style                  = [[Perpendicular Gothic]]
| years built            = 1499–1611
| groundbreaking         = 675
| completed date         = 1611
| construction cost      = 
| closed date            = 
| demolished date        =

| capacity               = 1,200
| length                 = {{convert|220|ft}}<ref name="Bath Abbey">{{cite web |title=Bath Abbey |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/264752/bath-abbey-bath-united-kingdom |publisher=Emporis |access-date=30 July 2022}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
| length nave            = 
| length choir           = 
| width                  = {{convert|22|ft}}<ref name="Bath Abbey"/>
| width nave             = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| width transepts        = 
| height                 = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| height nave            = 
| height choir           = 
| diameter               = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| other dimensions       = 
| floor count            = 
| floor area             = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome quantity          = 
| dome height outer      = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome height inner      = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome dia outer         = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome dia inner         = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| tower quantity         = 1
| tower height           = {{convert|160|ft}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hope |first1=Jessica |title=A perfect panorama: Bath Abbey |date=16 September 2016 |url=https://thebathmagazine.co.uk/perfect-panorama-bath-abbey/ |publisher=The Bath Magazine |access-date=30 July 2022 |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730095358/https://thebathmagazine.co.uk/perfect-panorama-bath-abbey/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| spire quantity         = 
| spire height           = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| materials              = [[Bath stone]]
| bells                  = 10
| bell weight            = <!-- {{long ton|0| }} -->

| parish                 = [[Bath, Somerset|Bath Abbey with St James]]
| benefice               = 
| deanery                = 
| archdeaconry           = 
| episcopalarea          = 
| archdiocese            = 
| metropolis             = 
| diocese                = [[Diocese of Bath and Wells|Bath and Wells]]
| diocese start          = 
| province               = 
| presbytery             = 
| synod                  = 
| circuit                = 
| district               = 
| division               = 
| subdivision            =

| archbishop             = 
| bishop                 = [[Michael Beasley (bishop)|Michael Beasley]]
| auxiliary bishop       = 
| cardinal protector     = 
| abbot                  = 
| prior                  = 
| subprior               = 
| provost-rector         = 
| exarch                 = 
| provost                = 
| viceprovost            = 
| rector                 = Revd Prebendary Guy Bridgewater
| vicar                  = 
| dean                   = 
| subdean                = 
| archpriest             = 
| precentor              = 
| succentor              = 
| chancellor             = 
| canonchancellor        = 
| canon                  = 
| canonpastor            = 
| canonmissioner         = Revd Stephen Girling
| canontreasurer         = 
| prebendary             = 
| priestincharge         = 
| priest                 = 
| honpriest              = 
| curate                 = Revd Cath Candish
| asstcurate             = 
| nonstipendiaryminister = 
| minister               = Revd Dr Nigel Rawlinson
| assistant              = 
| chaplain               = 
| archdeacon             = 
| deacon                 = 
| deaconess              =

| reader                 = 
| student intern         = 
| organistdom            = Huw Williams<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cantemus.co.uk/huw-williams/|title=Director – Huw Williams|website=www.cantemus.co.uk|access-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075345/http://www.cantemus.co.uk/huw-williams/|archive-date=1 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| director               = 
| organist               = 
| organscholar           = 
| chapterclerk           = 
| laychapter             = 
| sessionclerk           = 
| treasurer              = 
| warden                 = 
| verger                 = 
| businessmgr            = Frank Mowat
| liturgycoord           = 
| reledu                 = 
| rcia                   = 
| youthmin               = 
| flowerguild            = 
| musicgroup             = 
| serversguild           = 
| sacristan              =

| logo                   = Bath Abbey Logo.png
| logosize               = 
| logolink               = 
| logoalt                =

| embedded               = 
}}

The '''Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul''', commonly known as '''Bath Abbey''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bath Abbey (St Peter and St Paul) on World Anglican Clerical Directory |url=https://www.worldanglican.com/united-kingdom/bath/the-church-of-england/bath-abbey-28st-peter-and-st-paul29 |access-date=2022-06-28 |website=World Anglican Clerical Directory |language=en}}</ref> is a [[parish church]] of the [[Church of England]] and former [[Benedictines|Benedictine]] monastery in [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Somerset]], England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bath.ac.uk/chaplaincy/church.php?id=7 |work=[[University of Bath]] |title=Bath Abbey |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425233753/http://www.bath.ac.uk/chaplaincy/church.php?id=7 |archive-date=25 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Founded in the 7th century, it was reorganised in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries; major [[Victorian restoration|restoration work]] was carried out by [[Sir George Gilbert Scott]] in the 1860s. It is one of the largest examples of [[English Gothic architecture#Perpendicular Gothic|Perpendicular Gothic architecture]] in the [[West Country]]. The medieval abbey church served as a sometime [[cathedral]] of a bishop. After long contention between churchmen in Bath and Wells the seat of the [[Diocese of Bath and Wells]] was later consolidated at [[Wells Cathedral]]. The Benedictine community was dissolved in 1539 during the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2009/01/23/bath_wells_diocese_name_feature.shtml |date=23 January 2009 |work=[[BBC Somerset]] |title=The historic battle of the Diocese of Bath and Wells title |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802191616/http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/articles/2009/01/23/bath_wells_diocese_name_feature.shtml |archive-date=2 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The church architecture is [[cruciform]] in [[floor plan|plan]]<ref name=nhle/> and can seat up to 1,200 patrons.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ewkXAAAAIAAJ&q=%22the+Guildhall+(360+seats),+Bath+Abbey%22|title=Festivals in Great Britain, Northern Ireland & Eire: A List with Forecast Dates and Policies|last=Gregson-Williams|first=Richard|date=1986|publisher=John Offord Publications|isbn=9780903931717|pages=9|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-yo2DwAAQBAJ&q=bath+abbey+1,200&pg=PT9|title=Historic England: Bath: Unique Images from the Archives of Historic England|last=McNeill-Ritchie|first=Simon|date=15 September 2017|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited|isbn=9781445676074|language=en}}</ref> An active place of worship, it also hosts civic ceremonies, concerts and lectures. There is a heritage museum in the cellars.

The abbey is a Grade I [[listed building]],<ref name=nhle>{{National Heritage List for England |num=1394015 |desc=Abbey Church of St Peter and St Paul|access-date=7 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="pastscape" /> particularly noted for its [[fan vault]]ing. It contains war memorials for the local population and monuments to several notable people, in the form of wall and floor plaques and commemorative [[stained glass]]. The church has two [[Organ (music)|organ]]s and a peal of ten bells. The west front includes sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders, representing [[Jacob's Ladder]].

==History==
===Early history===
In 675 AD, [[Osric, king of the Hwicce|Osric]], King of the [[Hwicce]], granted the Abbess Berta or Bertana<ref>"Houses of Benedictine monks: The cathedral priory of Bath", in ''A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 2'', ed. William Page (London, 1911), Victoria County History, p.&nbsp;69 [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/som/vol2/pp69-81 British History Online (accessed 23 December 2023)]</ref> 100 [[Hide (unit)|hides]] near Bath for the establishment of a [[convent]].{{sfn|Davenport|2002|pp=31–34}} This religious house became a [[monastery]] under the patronage of the [[Bishop of Worcester]]. King [[Offa of Mercia]] successfully wrested "that most famous monastery at Bath"<ref name="Poliquin" /> from the [[bishop]] in 781. [[William of Malmesbury]] tells that Offa rebuilt the monastic church, which may have occupied the site of an earlier [[Pagan religions|pagan]] temple, to such a standard that King [[Eadwig]] was moved to describe it as being "marvellously built".<ref name="Poliquin">{{cite web| title=Bath Abbey| url=http://www.musiqueorguequebec.ca/orgues/angleterre/batha.html#English| work=Robert Poliquin's Music and Musicians| publisher=[[Université du Québec]]| access-date=11 January 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111155457/http://www.musiqueorguequebec.ca/orgues/angleterre/batha.html#English| archive-date=11 January 2014| url-status=live}}</ref> In 944 [[Folcwin]] reformed the [[Abbey of Saint Bertin]] in France along [[Benedictine]] lines and monks who opposed the reform fled to England. King [[Edmund I]] gave them the church at Bath, which was then in royal hands.{{sfn|Dumville|1992|p=176}} Little is known about the architecture of this first building on the site. [[Monasticism]] in England had declined by that time, but Eadwig's brother [[Edgar, King of England|Edgar]] (who was [[Coronation of the British monarch|crowned]] "King of the English" at the abbey in 973)<ref name="Edgar">{{cite web |url=http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/saxon_12.htm |title=Edgar the Peaceful |access-date=18 December 2007 |publisher=English Monarchs – Kings and Queens of England |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701165135/http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/saxon_12.htm |archive-date=1 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> began its revival on his accession to the throne in 959. He encouraged monks to adopt the [[Rule of Saint Benedict]], which was introduced at Bath under Abbot Ælfheah ([[Ælfheah of Canterbury|St. Alphege]]), who also repaired the church.<ref>Hasted, Edward. "The archbishops: From 988 to 1161." ''The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent: Volume 12.'' Canterbury: W Bristow, 1801. 298-326. [https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol12/pp298-326 British History Online website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301234059/https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-kent/vol12/pp298-326 |date=1 March 2021 }} Retrieved 19 April 2020.</ref> Sometime in the 10th century, as a result of the monastic reforms of [[Oswald of Worcester|Oswald]] and [[Dunstan]], the monastic community of the site was re-established as a Benedictine monastery, which it remained until the [[Dissolution of the monasteries|Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in the 16th century.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Peter |date=1988 |title=Bath History Volume II: Bath Abbey |url=https://historyofbath.org/images/BathHistory/Vol%2002%20-%2001.%20Davenport%20-%20Bath%20Abbey.pdf |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=historyofbath.org |pages=5, 20, 25–26}}</ref>

===Norman Conquest to the Dissolution===
[[File:Himnastigi.jpg|left|thumb|100px|On the west front, angels<br />climb [[Jacob's Ladder]]]]
Bath was ravaged in the power struggle between the sons of [[William the Conqueror]] following his death in 1087. The victor, [[William II of England|William II Rufus]], granted the city to a royal physician, [[John of Tours]], who became [[Bishop of Bath and Wells|Bishop of Wells]] and [[Abbot]] of Bath.{{sfn|Powicke|1939|p=205}}{{sfn|Barlow|2000|p=182}} Shortly after his consecration John bought Bath Abbey's grounds from the king,{{sfn|Barlow|2000|p=182}} as well as the city of Bath itself. Whether John paid Rufus for the city or whether he was given it as a gift by the king is unclear.<ref name=DNB>{{cite ODNB|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/14846|title=Tours, John of (d. 1122)|year=2004 |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/14846 |access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710192131/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/14846|archive-date=10 July 2015|url-status=live|last1=Ramsey |first1=Frances }}</ref> The abbey had recently lost its abbot, [[Ælfsige II (bishop of Winchester)|Ælfsige]], and according to [[Domesday Book]] was the owner of large estates in and near the city; it was likely the abbey's wealth that attracted John to take over the monastery.{{sfn|Smith|1942|pp=134–135}} By acquiring Bath, John also acquired the mint that was in the city.{{sfn|Mason|2005|p=130}}

In 1090 he transferred the seat, or administration, of the bishopric to Bath Abbey,{{sfn|Fryde|1986|p=227}}{{sfn|Huscroft|2004|p=128}} probably in an attempt to increase the revenues of his see. Bath was a rich abbey, and Wells had always been a poor diocese. By taking over the abbey, John increased his episcopal revenues.{{sfn|Williams|2000|p=136}} William of Malmesbury portrays the moving of the episcopal seat as motivated by a desire for the lands of the abbey, but it was part of a pattern at the time of moving cathedral seats from small villages to larger towns.<ref name=DNB/> When John moved his episcopal seat, he also took over the abbey of Bath as his [[cathedral chapter]], turning his diocese into a bishopric served by monks instead of the [[Canon (priest)|canons]] at Wells who had previously served the diocese.{{sfn|Knowles|2004|p=132}} John rebuilt the monastic church at Bath, which had been damaged during one of [[Robert de Mowbray]]'s rebellions. Permission was given to move the [[Episcopal see|see]] of [[Somerset]] from [[Wells Cathedral|Wells]]—a comparatively small settlement—to the then [[Bath city walls|walled city of Bath]].{{sfn|Barlow|2000|p=182}}{{sfn|Huscroft|2004|p=128}}

When this was effected in 1090, John became the first Bishop of Bath, and St Peter's was raised to [[cathedral]] status.{{sfn|Greenway|2001}} As the roles of bishop and abbot had been combined, the monastery became a [[priory]], run by its [[Prior (ecclesiastical)|prior]]. With the elevation of the abbey to cathedral status, it was felt that a larger, more up-to-date building was required. John of Tours planned a new cathedral on a grand scale, dedicated to [[Saint Peter]] and [[Paul the Apostle|Saint Paul]], but only the [[ambulatory]] was complete when he died in December 1122.{{sfn|Powicke|1939|p=205}} He was buried in the cathedral.{{sfn|Greenway|2001}} The most renowned scholar monk based in the abbey was [[Adelard of Bath]]; after his various travels he was back in the monastery by 1106.{{sfn|Hylson-Smith|2003|pp=89–90}}

The half-finished cathedral was devastated by fire in 1137,{{sfn|Page|1911}} but work continued under [[Godfrey of Bath|Godfrey]], the new bishop, until about 1156; the completed building was approximately {{convert|330|ft|0}} long. It was [[Consecration|consecrated]] while [[Robert of Bath]] was bishop. The specific date is not known; however, it was between 1148 and 1161.{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=54}}

In 1197, [[Reginald Fitz Jocelin]]'s successor, [[Savaric FitzGeldewin]], with the approval of [[Pope Celestine III]], officially moved his seat to [[Glastonbury Abbey]], but the monks there would not accept their new Bishop of Glastonbury and the title of Bishop of Bath and Glastonbury was used until the Glastonbury claim was abandoned in 1219.{{sfn|Brooke|1976|pp=184–185}} Savaric's successor, [[Jocelin of Wells]], again moved the bishop's seat to Bath Abbey, with the title Bishop of Bath. Following his death the monks of Bath unsuccessfully attempted to regain authority over Wells.{{sfn|Robinson|1916|p=161}} There were 40 monks on the roll in 1206.{{sfn|Wroughton|2006|pp=25–38}}

Joint cathedral status was awarded by [[Pope Innocent IV]] to [[Diocese of Bath and Wells|Bath and Wells]] in 1245.{{sfn|Hylson-Smith|2003|p=80}} [[Roger of Salisbury (bishop of Bath and Wells)|Roger of Salisbury]] was appointed the first [[Bishop of Bath and Wells]], having been Bishop of Bath for a year previously. Later bishops preferred Wells, the canons of which had successfully petitioned various popes down the years for Wells to regain cathedral status. The great Romanesque cathedral church, begun in the early twelfth century, was allowed to fall into chronic disrepair during the fifteenth century. In 1485 the priory had 22 monks.{{sfn|Wroughton|2006|pp=25–38}} When [[Oliver King]], Bishop of Bath and Wells (1495–1503), visited Bath in 1499 he was shocked to find this famous church "ruined to its foundations".{{sfn|Luxford|2000|p=315}}<ref name="sacreddest">{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/bath-abbey|title=Bath Abbey|work=Sacred Destinations|access-date=1 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018141230/http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/bath-abbey|archive-date=18 October 2009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=visitbath/>{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=54}} He also described lax discipline, idleness and a group of monks "all too eager to succumb to the temptations of the flesh".{{sfn|Wroughton|2006|pp=25–38}}
[[File:Bath Abbey from the North West.jpg|thumb|A black and white photograph of Bath Abbey, taken at night, from a north-westerly direction]]
King took a year to consider what action to take, before writing to the Prior of Bath in October 1500 to explain that a large amount of the priory income would be dedicated to rebuilding the cathedral.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.buildinghistory.org/bath/abbey/dream.shtml | last=Manco | first=Jean | title=Oliver King's Dream | publisher=Bath Past | access-date=17 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129193233/http://www.buildinghistory.org/bath/abbey/dream.shtml | archive-date=29 November 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref> There are several stories that, on a visit to Bath, King had a dream in which he "saw the Heavenly Host on high with angels ascending and descending by ladder" which is now represented on the west front of the cathedral.{{sfn|Hammond|2012|p=80}}{{sfn|Britton|1825|p=35}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Bath Abbey|url=http://greaterchurches.org/visit/bath-abbey|publisher=Greater Churches Network|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111235055/http://greaterchurches.org/visit/bath-abbey|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, this interpretation, which first appeared in the writings of [[John Harington (writer)|John Harington]], around 100 years after it was supposed to have happened, has been challenged.{{sfn|Hammond|2012|p=80}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Manco|first=Jean|title=Oliver King's Dream|url=http://www.buildinghistory.org/bath/abbey/dream.shtml|publisher=Bath Past|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129193233/http://www.buildinghistory.org/bath/abbey/dream.shtml|archive-date=29 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Robert Vertue|Robert]] and [[William Vertue]], the king's masons were commissioned, promising to build the finest vault in England, promising "there shall be none so goodely neither in England nor France".{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=54}} Their design incorporated the surviving [[Norman architecture|Norman]] crossing wall and arches.{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=54}} They appointed Thomas Lynne to supervise work on site and work probably began the following spring.{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=54}} [[Oliver King]] planned a smaller church, covering the area of the Norman nave only.{{sfn|Wroughton|2006|pp=25–38}} He did not live to see the result, but the restoration of the cathedral was completed just a few years before the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] in 1539.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mayorofbath.co.uk/renaissance-bath |title=Renaissance Bath |access-date=11 January 2014 |publisher=The Mayor of Bath |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114061225/http://www.mayorofbath.co.uk/renaissance-bath |archive-date=14 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Reformation and subsequent decline===
[[File:Bath Abbey, 1875.jpg|thumb|right|The abbey in 1875]]
Prior Holloway surrendered Bath Priory to the crown in January 1539. It was sold to Humphry Colles of [[Taunton]].{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=56}} The abbey was stripped of its [[co-cathedral]] status in the aftermath of the Dissolution when the cathedral was consolidated in Wells. The church was stripped of iron, glass and £4,800 worth of lead and left to decay.<ref name=":0" /> Colles sold it to [[Matthew Colthurst]] of [[Wardour Castle]] in 1543. His son [[Edmund Colthurst]] gave the roofless remains of the building to the corporation of Bath in 1572.{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|p=56}} The corporation had difficulty finding private funds for its restoration.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|p=3}}

In 1574, [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth I]] promoted the restoration of the church, to serve as the grand parish church of Bath. She ordered that a national fund should be set up to finance the work,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bath/A25243.html |title=Bath Abbey |access-date=27 September 2007 |work=Frommers Guide |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510125130/http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bath/A25243.html |archive-date=10 May 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in 1583 decreed that it should become the parish church of Bath.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|p=3}} [[James Montague (bishop)|James Montague]], the Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1608 to 1616, paid £1,000 for a new nave roof of timber lath construction; according to the inscription on his tomb, this was prompted after seeking shelter in the roofless nave during a thunderstorm. He is buried in an [[alabaster]] tomb in the north aisle.{{sfn|Hylson-Smith|2003|p=132}} The restoration work on the Abbey financed by Montague was completed by 1611.<ref name=":0" />

===Modern renaissance===
[[File:Bath Abbey c1900.jpg|thumb|Bath Abbey {{Circa|1900}}]]
During the 1820s and 1830s buildings, including houses, shops and taverns which were very close to or actually touching the walls of the abbey were demolished and the interior remodelled by [[George Phillips Manners]] who was the [[List of Bath City Architects|Bath City Architect]].<ref name=":0" /> Manners erected flying buttresses to the exterior of the nave and added [[pinnacle]]s to the turrets.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|p=4}}

Major [[Victorian restoration|restoration work]] was carried out by Sir [[George Gilbert Scott]] in the 1860s, funded by the rector, Charles Kemble.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|p=4}} The work included the installation of fan vaulting in the nave, which was not merely a fanciful aesthetic addition but a completion of the original design.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} Oliver King had arranged for the vaulting of the choir, to a design by William and Robert Vertue. There are clues in the stonework that King intended the vaulting to continue into the nave, but that this plan was abandoned, probably for reasons of cost. In addition a stone screen between the choir and nave was removed.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|p=4}} Scott's work was completed by his pupil [[Thomas Graham Jackson]] in the 1890s including work on the west front.{{sfn|Forsyth|2003|pp=57–58}} Gilbert-Scott also designed the finely carved pews in the nave, and are among the finest examples of Church seating from the period, and have been described as "one of the most magnificent and extensive suites of Victorian church seating in the country".<ref name="Pocklington">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lawandreligionuk.com/2018/03/20/bath-abbey-pews-refusal-of-permission-to-appeal/|title=Bath Abbey pews: refusal of permission to appeal &#124; Law & Religion UK|first=David|last=Pocklington|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426081937/https://www.lawandreligionuk.com/2018/03/20/bath-abbey-pews-refusal-of-permission-to-appeal/|archive-date=26 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Work carried out in the 20th and 21st centuries included full cleaning of the stonework and the reconstruction of the [[pipe organ]] by [[Klais Orgelbau]] of [[Bonn]]. The west
front of the building, having decayed badly in the 500 years since it was built, has been subject to almost wholesale restoration.{{sfn|Luxford|2000|p=317}} The stonework of the west front had been subject to natural erosion therefore a process of lime-based conservation was carried out during the 1990s by Nimbus Conservation under the guidance of Professor Robert Baker who had previously worked on the west front of [[Wells Cathedral]]. Some of the damage to sculptures had been made worse by the use of [[Portland cement]] by previous work carried out in the [[Victorian era]]. A statue of St Phillip was beyond repair and was removed and replaced with a modern statue by Laurence Tindall.{{sfn|Taylor|1999|pp=5–6}}

===Rectors of Bath Abbey===
{{div col|colwidth=33em}}
* 1583–1584 John Long
* 1584–1608 [[Richard Meredith (priest)|Richard Meredith]] <small>(as Dean of Wells from 1607)</small>
* 1608–1621† John Pelling
* 1621–1634 [[George Webb (bishop)|George Webb]] <small>(appointed Bishop of Limerick)</small>
* 1634–1639 Theophilus Webb <small>(son of George Webb)</small>
* 1639–1665† James Masters <small>(sequestered by the [[Westminster Assembly]]; restored; Sub-Dean of Wells from 1661)</small><ref>{{cite book|title=Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1541-1857|year=1979|volume=5|pages=20–22|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/fasti-ecclesiae/1541-1847/vol5/pp20-22|access-date=2 December 2020}}</ref>
* 1666–1680† [[Joseph Glanvill]]
* 1681–1711† [[William Clement (priest)|William Clement]] <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath from 1690)</small>
* 1711–1733† [[William Hunt (Archdeacon of Bath)|William Hunt]] <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath)</small>
* 1733–1752† Thomas Coney<ref>{{cite book|last=Foster|first=Joseph|year=1891|title=Alumni Oxonienses 1500–1714|section=Coney, Thomas|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/alumni-oxon/1500-1714/pp304-337|access-date=2 December 2020}}</ref>
* 1752–1767† Duel Taylor<ref>{{acad|id=TLR736D|name=Taylor, Duel}}</ref>
* 1767–1768† John Taylor<ref>{{acad|id=TLR742J|name=Taylor, John}}</ref>
* 1768–1786† [[John Chapman (Archdeacon of Bath)|John Chapman]] <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath)</small>
* 1786–1815† [[James Phillott]]<ref>{{cite wikisource|title=Alumni Oxonienses|chapter=Phillott, James (1)|wslink=Alumni Oxonienses: the Members of the University of Oxford, 1715-1886|last=Foster|first=Joseph|authorlink=Joseph Foster (genealogist)}}</ref> <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath from 1798)</small>
* 1815–1837† Charles Crook
* 1839–1854 [[William Brodrick, 7th Viscount Midleton|William Brodrick]] <small>(later Viscount Midleton and Dean of Exeter)</small>
* 1854–1859† [[Thomas Carr (bishop)|Thomas Carr]] <small>(formerly Bishop of Bombay)</small>
* 1859–1874† Charles Kemble<ref>{{cite wikisource|title=Alumni Oxonienses|chapter=Kemble, Charles|wslink=Alumni Oxonienses: the Members of the University of Oxford, 1715-1886|last=Foster|first=Joseph|authorlink=Joseph Foster (genealogist)}}</ref>
* 1875–1895 Richard England Brooke<ref>{{acad|id=BRK840RE|name=Brooke, Richard England}}</ref> <small>(grandfather of [[Rupert Brooke]])</small>
* 1895–1901 [[John Quirk (bishop)|John Quirk]] <small>(appointed Bishop of Sheffield)</small>
* 1902–1938 [[Sydney Boyd]] <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath from 1924)</small>
* 1938–1947 [[William Selwyn (bishop)|William Selwyn]]<ref>{{acad|id=SLWN898WM|name=Selwyn, William Marshall}}</ref> <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath; appointed Bishop of Fulham)</small>
* 1947–1960 [[Edwin Cook]] <small>(as Archdeacon of Bath)</small>
* 1960–1989 Geoffrey Lester<ref>{{cite news|last=Bullamore|first=Tim|work=The Independent|title=Obituary: Prebendary Geoffrey Lester|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-prebendary-geoffrey-lester-1157308.html|date=25 May 1998|access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>
* 1990–2000 Richard Askew
* 2001–2003 Simon Oberst <small>(resigned, disqualified from priesthood)</small><ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Priest disqualified after affair|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/3537375.stm|date=6 March 2004|access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>
* 2004–2017 Edward Mason
* 2019–present Guy Bridgewater
{{div col end}}

† ''Rector died in post''

==Architecture==
[[File:Bath Abbey, ceiling - geograph.org.uk - 717407.jpg|thumbnail|Bath Abbey, vaults]]
The Abbey is built of [[Bath stone]], which gives the exterior its yellow colour, and is not a typical example of the [[English Gothic architecture|Perpendicular]] form of [[Gothic architecture]]; the low aisles and [[Arcade (architecture)|nave arcades]] and the very tall clerestory present the opposite balance to that which was usual in perpendicular churches. As this building was to serve as a monastic church, it was built to a cruciform plan, which had become relatively rare in parish churches of the time. The interior contains fine [[fan vault]]ing by [[Robert Vertue|Robert]] and [[William Vertue]], who designed similar vaulting for the Henry VII chapel, at [[Westminster Abbey]]. The building has 52 windows, occupying about 80% of the wall space,<ref name="sacreddest"/> giving the interior an impression of lightness, and reflecting the different attitudes towards churchmanship shown by the clergy of the time and those of the 12th century.

The walls and roofs are supported by [[buttress]]es and surmounted by [[battlement]]s, [[pinnacle]]s and pierced [[parapet]]s, many of which were added by George Manners during his 1830s restorations.<ref name="pastscape"/><ref name=hist/>
[[File:Abadía de Bath, Bath, Inglaterra, 2014-08-12, DD 46.JPG|left|thumbnail|The 16th-century West Door]]
The [[nave]], which has five bays, is {{convert|211|ft}} long and {{convert|35|ft}} wide to the pillars and rises to {{convert|75|ft}},{{sfn|Perkins|1901|p=17}} with the whole church being {{convert|225|ft}} long and {{convert|80|ft}} wide.{{sfn|Britton|1825|p=72}}

The west front, which was originally constructed in 1520, has a large arched window and detailed carvings.<ref name="pastscape"/> Above the window are carvings of angels and to either side long stone ladders with angels climbing up them. Apart from the story mentioned above connecting it with [[Oliver King]], Bishop of Bath and Wells (1495–1503), this is a direct reference to the dream of the patriarch Jacob mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 28:12) and commonly called [[Jacob's Ladder]].

Below the window a battlemented parapet supports a statue and beneath this, on either side of the door, are statues of St Peter and St Paul.{{sfn|Perkins|1901|pp=12–15}} Restoration work in the late 20th century involved cleaning with electronically controlled intermittent water sprays and ammonium carbonate poultices. One of the figures which had lost its head and shoulders was replaced.{{sfn|Astley|1993|pp=13–14}} The sculptures on the West front have been interpreted as representing "spiritual ascent through the virtue of humility and descent through the vice of pride"{{sfn|Luxford|2003|pp=299–322}} and Christ as the Man of Sorrow and the Antichrist.{{sfn|Luxford|2003|pp=299–322}} During the 1990s a major restoration and cleaning work were carried out on the exterior stonework, returning it to the yellow colour hidden under centuries of dirt.{{sfn|Hylson-Smith|2003|p=184}}
{{Clear}}

===Windows===
[[File:Bath Abbey Eastern Stained Glass, Somerset, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The stained glass and altar at the eastern end of the nave]]
The building has 52 windows, occupying about 80 per cent of the wall space. The east end has a square-framed window of seven lights.<ref name="sacreddest" /> It includes a depiction of the nativity made by [[Clayton and Bell]] in 1872,<ref>{{cite web|title=Nativity — Bath Abbey Stained Glass Window Transfer New!|url=http://www.acnuk.org/products.php/306/nativity-bath-abbey-stained-glass-window-transfer|publisher=Aid to the Church in Need|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402130511/http://www.acnuk.org/products.php/306/nativity-bath-abbey-stained-glass-window-transfer|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was presented to the church by the Bath Literary Club.{{sfn|Perkins|1901|pp=17–28}}

The window of the [[Four Evangelists]] over the northwest door is a memorial to Charles Empson, who died in 1861.{{sfn|Perkins|1901|p=17}}

In 2010 a stained glass window was uncovered in the abbey vaults. The design around the window is by [[William Burges]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Bath Abbey window design confirmed as William Burges|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/local/bristol/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8937000/8937422.stm|access-date=16 September 2011|newspaper=BBC|date=23 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001032659/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/bristol/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8937000/8937422.stm|archive-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=William Burgess designs in stained glass window found in the Abbey Chambers vaults in Bath|url=http://www.bathaquaglass.com/williamburgesswindowbath.html|publisher=Bath Aqua Glass|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331042828/https://www.bathaquaglass.com/williamburgesswindowbath.html|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tower===
[[File:Tower_of_Bath_Abbey_as_seen_from_the_Roman_baths.jpg|thumb|left|Tower as seen from Roman Baths]]
The two-stage central tower is not square but oblong in plan. It has two bell openings on each side and four polygonal turret pinnacles.<ref name=pastscape>{{PastScape|mname=Abbey church of St Peter and St Paul|mnumber=204213|access-date=14 September 2011}}</ref> The tower is {{convert|161|ft}} high,<ref>{{cite web|title=The South West prospect of Bath Abbey (2003)|url=http://www.candle-web.co.uk/mgfa/2003a_bath_abbey_the_south_west_prospect.htm|publisher=Matthew Grayson Fine Arts|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402130516/http://www.candle-web.co.uk/mgfa/2003a_bath_abbey_the_south_west_prospect.htm|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is accessed by a staircase of 212 steps.<ref name=visitbath>{{cite web|title=Bath Abbey|url=http://visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions/bath-abbey-p24001|publisher=Visit Bath|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717120912/http://visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/attractions/bath-abbey-p24001|archive-date=17 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=August 2022}}

====Bells====
In 1700 the old ring of six bells was replaced by a new ring of eight. All but the tenor still survive. In 1770 two lighter bells were added to create the first ring of ten bells in the diocese. The tenor was recast in 1870.<ref>{{cite web|title=The bells of Bath Abbey|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/music/bell-ringing/bells-bath-abbey|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=25 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428140157/http://www.bathabbey.org/music/bell-ringing/bells-bath-abbey|archive-date=28 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The abbey's tower is now home to a [[Ring of bells|ring]] of ten [[Bell (instrument)|bells]], which are hung unconventionally such that the order of the bells from highest to lowest runs anti-clockwise around the ringing chamber, rather than in the usual clockwise fashion. The [[Change ringing#The mechanics of change ringing on tower bells|tenor]] weighs 33 cwt (3,721&nbsp;lb or 1,688&nbsp;kg).<ref name="Dove's — Bath Abbey">{{cite web | title=Dove's Guide — Bath Abbey | url=http://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?searchString=Bath+Abbey&numPerPage=10&searchAmount=%253D&searchMetric=cwt&sortBy=Place&sortDir=Asc&DoveID=BATH++++AB | work=[[Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers]] | publisher=[[Change ringing#Organization and extent|The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers]] | access-date=17 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513214314/http://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?searchString=Bath+Abbey&numPerPage=10&searchAmount=%253D&searchMetric=cwt&sortBy=Place&sortDir=Asc&DoveID=BATH++++AB | archive-date=13 May 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref> Bath is a noted centre of [[change ringing]] in the West Country.

===Interior===
[[File:Bath Abbey Nave Fan Vaulting, Somerset, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Looking west from the choir, the<br />[[fan vaulting]] is mostly 19th-century]]
The interior fan vaulting ceiling, originally installed by Robert and William Vertue, was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott between 1864 and 1874.<ref name=hist>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/history|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=14 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927021807/http://www.bathabbey.org/history|archive-date=27 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The fan vaulting provides structural stability by distributing the weight of the roof down ribs that transfer the force into the supporting columns via the [[flying buttress]]es.{{sfn|Jackson|1975|p=51}}

Gilbert Scott's work in the 1870s included the installation of large gas chandeliers made by the Coventry metalworker [[Francis Skidmore]]. They were converted to electricity in 1979.<ref>{{cite web|title=The late Victorians|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/late-victorians|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402111544/http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/late-victorians|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Other new features included a new pulpit and seating. A marble altarpiece from General [[George Wade]] in the sanctuary was removed and replaced with a decorative [[reredos]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mid 19th century|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/mid-19th-century|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=27 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402111733/http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/mid-19th-century|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The fine carved pews installed in the nave during Scott's renovations, one of the best examples of 19th century church furnishings,<ref name="Pocklington"/> were removed and replaced with stackable chairs in 2018, a move which was opposed by the Victorian Society leading to a [[Consistory court]] case which was decided in favour of the Abbey.<ref>{{cite web |title=Re: The Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Bath (Bath Abbey)|url=https://www.ecclesiasticallawassociation.org.uk/judgments/reordering/bathabbey2017eccb&w1.pdf|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref>

In the 1920s [[Thomas Graham Jackson]] redesigned the Norman Chapel into a War Memorial Chapel, now Gethsemane Chapel, and added a [[cloister]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Into the 21st century|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/21st-century|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402111747/http://www.bathabbey.org/history/todays-abbey-1535-onwards/21st-century|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> New [[choir (architecture)|quire]] screens were installed in 2004, partly to improve the acoustics, topped with 12 carved angels playing musical instruments.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Carved Angels on the Quire Screens in Bath Abbey|url=http://www.peterking.org/carved_angels_15.html|publisher=Peter King|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402130511/http://www.peterking.org/carved_angels_15.html|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

A tiled floor dating from the late 13th to early 14th centuries was discovered in August 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Decorated medieval tiles found under Bath Abbey floor |work=BBC News |date=30 August 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-45354268 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901200344/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-45354268 |archive-date=1 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Work to rebury coffins which had previously been under the abbey and stabilise the floor included the digging of a trench in which the tiles were uncovered.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thousands of bodies under Bath Abbey threaten its stability |work=BBC News |date=15 August 2013 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-23685801 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825181514/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-23685801 |archive-date=25 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Monuments====
[[File:William Bingham Memorial Bath Abbey 20040731.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Memorial to [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[William Bingham]], who died in Bath]]
Within the abbey are 617 wall [[memorial]]s and 847 floor stones.<ref name=mem>{{cite web|title=Memorials|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/history/memorials|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929224446/http://www.bathabbey.org/history/memorials|archive-date=29 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> They include those dedicated to [[Beau Nash]], Admiral [[Arthur Phillip]] (first Governor of the colony of New South Wales, which became part of Australia after federation in 1901), [[James Montague (bishop)|James Montague]] (Bishop of Bath and Wells), Lady Waller (wife of [[William Waller]], a [[Roundhead]] military leader in the [[English Civil War]]), Elizabeth Grieve (wife of James Grieve, physician to Elizabeth, Empress of Russia), Sir [[William Baker (British politician)|William Baker]], [[John Sibthorp]], [[Sir Richard Bickerton, 2nd Baronet|Richard Hussey Bickerton]], [[William Hoare]], [[Sir Richard Bickerton, 1st Baronet|Richard Bickerton]] and US Senator [[William Bingham]]. Many of the monuments in the [[Bath Abbey Cemetery|churchyard]] were carved between 1770 and 1860 by [[Reeves of Bath]]. War memorials include those commemorating the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]] (1841–42), the First World War (1914–18), and the Second World War (1939–45). The most recent memorial was installed in 1958 to commemorate [[Isaac Pitman]], the developer of [[Pitman shorthand]], who died in 1897.<ref name=mem/>

====Main organ====
The first mention of an organ in the abbey dates to 1634, but nothing is known of that instrument. The first properly recorded organ in Bath Abbey was built by [[Abraham Jordan]] in 1708. It was modified in 1718 and 1739 by Jordan's son. The specification recorded in 1800 was one of twenty stops spread over three manuals.<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's Jordan organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Jordan organ. Survey of 1802 | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05914 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224074330/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05914 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | access-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref> The compasses of the manuals were extended, one and a half octaves of pedals were added and the instrument renovated in 1802 by John Holland; further repairs were effected by [[Flight & Robson]] in 1826.<ref name="Poliquin" /> This instrument was removed first to the [[Bishop's Palace, Wells|Bishop's Palace at Wells]] in 1836,<ref name="NPOR — The Bishop's Palace, Wells">{{cite web | title=The Bishop's Palace, Wells | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=E00460 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224140119/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=E00460 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=c. 1838 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> then to [[Church of St Mary, Yatton|St Mary's Church]], [[Yatton]], where it was subsequently rebuilt and extensively modified.<ref name="NPOR — Saint Mary's, Yatton">{{cite web | title=Saint Mary the Virgin, Yatton | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=A01146 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224050753/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=A01146 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1971 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref>
[[File:Organ of Bath Abbey.JPG|thumb|right|254px|The organ in the north transept, rebuilt in 1997 by [[Klais Orgelbau]]]]
The abbey's next organ was built in 1836 by John Smith of [[Bristol]], to a specification of thirty stops over three manuals and pedals.<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's Smith organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Smith of Bristol organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05915 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224031407/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05915 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1836 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> This instrument was rebuilt on a new gallery in the North [[Transept]] by William Hill & Son of London in 1868, to a specification of forty stops spread over four manuals and pedals, although the Solo department, which would have brought the total to well over forty, was not completed.<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's Hill organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Hill organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05922 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224043706/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05922 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1868 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> It was mostly removed to the [[Church of St Peter & St Paul, Cromer|Church of St Peter & St Paul]], [[Cromer]] in 1896, the remainder being kept for incorporation in the new abbey organ.<ref name="NPOR — Cromer Parish Church">{{cite web | title=Cromer Parish Church | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N06212 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224140027/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N06212 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1912 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref>

A new organ was supplied to the abbey in 1895 by [[Norman and Beard]] of [[Norwich]]. It had 52 stops spread over four manuals and pedals,<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's N&B organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Norman & Beard organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05916 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224090158/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05916 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1927 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> and stood divided on two steel beams in the North and South [[crossing (architecture)|crossing]] arches, with the [[organ console|console]] standing on the floor next to the north-west [[pier (architecture)|pier]] of the crossing. New cases were to be provided to designs by [[Brian Oliver (architect)|Brian Oliver]] of Bath, but were never executed.<ref name="Poliquin" /> Norman & Beard re-erected it in a new case designed by Sir Thomas Jackson in the North Transept in 1914, with the addition of two stops to the Pedal.<ref name="Poliquin" />
It was again rebuilt by them in 1930, and then by [[William Hill & Son & Norman & Beard Ltd.|Hill, Norman and Beard]] in 1948, which brought the number of stops to 58.<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's HNB organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Hill, Norman & Beard organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05917 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224030846/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=N05917 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1950 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> In 1972 this was increased to a total of 65 speaking stops. The Positive division, with its separate case behind the console, was installed at the same time. Problems caused by the tonal scheme's lack of coherence—the 1895 pipework contrasting sharply with that of 1972—and with reliability, caused by the wide variety of different types of key actions, all difficult to access, led to the decision to have the instrument rebuilt yet again.

The organ was totally reconstructed in 1997 by Klais Orgelbau of Bonn, retaining the existing instrument as far as was possible and restoring it largely to its 1895 condition, although the Positive division was kept.<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's Klais organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Klais organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=D03828 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224144740/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=D03828 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=1997 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> The instrument as it now stands has 63 speaking stops over four manuals and pedals,<ref name="Klais Orgelbau — Bath Abbey">{{cite web|title=Klais Orgelbau: Bath Abbey|url=http://www.orgelbau-klais.com/m.php?tx=1|publisher=Klais Orgelbau|access-date=18 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114112844/http://www.orgelbau-klais.com/m.php?tx=1|archive-date=14 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> and is built largely on the Werkprinzip principle of organ layout: the case is only one department deep, except for parts of the Pedal sited at the back rather than the sides of the case. New 75 per cent tin front pipes were made and the case completed with back, side walls and roof. Pierced panelling executed by Derek Riley of Lyndale Woodcarving in [[Saxmundham]], [[Suffolk]], was provided to allow sound egress from the bottom of the case. The old console has been retained but thoroughly rebuilt with modern accessories and all-new manuals. Twenty-two of the organ's 83 ranks contain some pipework from the 1868 instrument. Four ranks are made up entirely of 1868 pipework, and 21 contain 1895 pipework. Only two ranks are entirely of 1895. Forty-eight ranks contain some new pipework, 34 of which are entirely new. Old wind pressures have been used wherever possible. The old wind reservoirs have also been restored rather than replaced. The instrument has [[Tracker action|tracker key action]] on the manuals, with electrically assisted tracker action to the pedals. The stop action is electric throughout.

====Continuo organ====
[[File:Roman baths 2014 16.jpg|thumbnail|Bath Abbey and the Roman baths]]
A four-stop continuo organ was built for the abbey in 1999 by [[Northampton]]-based [[Organ building|organ builder]] [[Kenneth Tickell]].<ref name="NPOR — Bath Abbey's Tickell continuo organ">{{cite web | title=Bath Abbey: The Tickell continuo organ | url=http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=R00041 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224021954/http://www.npor.org.uk/cgi-bin/Rsearch.cgi?Fn=Rsearch&rec_index=R00041 | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 December 2012 | work=The National Pipe Organ Register | publisher=[[British Institute of Organ Studies]] | year=2000 | access-date=18 September 2007 }}</ref> The instrument, contained in a case of dark oak, is portable, and can be tuned to three [[Pitch (music)|pitches]]: A=440&nbsp;Hz (modern concert pitch), A=415&nbsp;Hz and A=465&nbsp;Hz. It is also possible to tune at A=430. A lever pedal can reduce the stops sounding to only the 8' stop and, when released, returns the organ to the registration in use before it was depressed.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tickell-organs.co.uk/specInfo/opus42.htm | title=Bath Abbey Chamber Organ | publisher=Kenneth Tickell and Company | access-date=26 June 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626200754/http://www.tickell-organs.co.uk/specInfo/opus42.htm | archive-date=26 June 2015 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Choir==
The abbey has sections for boys, girls, lay clerks and children (the Melody Makers) and a chamber choir. As well as singing at the abbey, they also tour to cathedrals in the UK and Europe. The choir has broadcast [[Evening Prayer (Anglican)|Choral Evensong]] on [[BBC Radio 3]],<ref>{{cite web| title=Choral Evensong from Bath Abbey| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/choralevensong/pip/v2b4z/| work=[[BBC Radio 3]] webpages| publisher=[[BBC Online]]| access-date=27 September 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110033109/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/choralevensong/pip/v2b4z/| archive-date=10 November 2012| url-status=live}}</ref> and has made several recordings. It performed at the [[The Three Tenors|Three Tenors]] concert for the opening of the [[Thermae Bath Spa]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Choirs|url=http://www.bathabbey.org/music/choirs|publisher=Bath Abbey|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402111705/http://www.bathabbey.org/music/choirs|archive-date=2 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The abbey is also used as a venue for visiting choirs and, from its inception in 1947, the [[City of Bath Bach Choir]].<ref>{{cite web|title=City of Bath Bach Choir|url=http://www.bathbachchoir.org.uk/|publisher=City of Bath Bach Choir|access-date=16 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910025705/http://www.bathbachchoir.org.uk/|archive-date=10 September 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

The choirs of Bath Abbey sung the 2015 Christmas Service live on [[BBC One]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Christmas Day Service Live from Bath Abbey – 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06t09r9|publisher=BBC|access-date=24 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213084851/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06t09r9|archive-date=13 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

They are led by the [[List of organists and assistant organists of Bath Abbey|directors of music]] and assisted by the organists. The current Director of Music is Huw Williams who took the role in 2017. He replaced Peter King who served from 1986 to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bathabbey.org/worship-and-music/our-choirs/|title=Our Choirs - Bath Abbey|date=2020-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401120916/https://www.bathabbey.org/worship-and-music/our-choirs/|access-date=2020-04-01|archive-date=1 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peterking.org/first_1.html|title=Biography|website=www.peterking.org|access-date=2020-04-01|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222095448/http://www.peterking.org/first_1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Discovery Centre museum==
Bath Abbey's Discovery Centre is located beneath the Abbey shop and features artefacts and exhibits about the Abbey's development and history. Displays included the history of the building of the Abbey, monastic life, and the Abbey's impact on the community, the architecture and sculptures of the buildings, and the role of the Abbey in present times. The Discovery Centre replaces the previous Heritage Museum.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:An angel on the way up, Bath Abbey west elevation - geograph.org.uk - 717346.jpg|An angel on the way up, Bath Abbey west elevation
File:Bath Abbey 2014 05.jpg|
File:Edgar and dunstan bath abbey.jpg|19th-century [[stained glass]] window showing the coronation of [[Edgar the Peaceable|King Edgar]] by [[Dunstan]]
File:Bath Abbey 2014 20.jpg|Bath Abbey
File:Bath.abbey.flying.buttresses.closeup.arp.jpg|[[Flying buttress]]es and a [[pinnacle]] at the abbey
File:Bath Abbey Exterior, Somerset, UK - Diliff.jpg|Bath Abbey exterior as viewed from the west
File:Close.Up.Bath.Abbey.Building.jpg| Close up Bath Abbey Building
</gallery>

==Burials==
* [[James Montague (bishop)|James Montague]], bishop (c. 1568–1618)
* [[Wolfran Cornewall]], Royal Navy captain (1658–1720)
* [[Sir Henry Johnson, 1st Baronet]], general (1748–1835)
* [[William Bingham]], American senator (1752–1804)
* [[William Wyatt Dimond]], [[actor-manager]] (c. 1752–1812)
* [[John Sibthorp]], botanist (1758–1796)
* [[Thomas Robert Malthus]], political economist who inspired [[Charles Darwin]] (1766–1834)
*[[Sir Everard Fawkener]], English merchant, diplomat and personal secretary to the Duke of Cumberland (1694–1758)

==See also==
{{Portal|Christianity}}
*[[List of former cathedrals in Great Britain]]
*[[List of organists and assistant organists of Bath Abbey]]
*[[List of English abbeys, priories and friaries serving as parish churches]]
*[[List of ecclesiastical parishes in the Diocese of Bath and Wells]]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=33em}}

==Bibliography==
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*{{cite book|title=The English and the Norman Conquest|last=Williams|first=Ann|author-link=Ann Williams (historian)|year=2000|publisher=[[Boydell & Brewer|Boydell Press]]|isbn=978-0-85115-708-5|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/englishnormancon0000will}}
*{{cite book|last=Wright|first=Reginald W.M.|title=Bath Abbey|year=1975|publisher=Pitkin Unichrome|isbn=978-0853720546}}
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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bath Abbey}}
*{{official website|http://www.bathabbey.org/}}

{{Benedictine houses of England and Wales}}
{{Major Churches Network}}
{{Diocese of Bath and Wells}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:7th-century establishments in England]]
[[Category:1539 disestablishments in England]]
[[Category:16th-century Church of England church buildings]]
[[Category:Churches in Bath, Somerset|Abbey]]
[[Category:Anglo-Saxon monastic houses]]
[[Category:Benedictine monasteries in England]]
[[Category:Church of England church buildings in Bath and North East Somerset]]
[[Category:Grade I listed buildings in Bath, Somerset|Abbey]]
[[Category:Grade I listed churches in Somerset]]
[[Category:Monasteries in Somerset]]
[[Category:Former cathedrals in England]]
[[Category:Museums in Bath, Somerset]]
[[Category:Religious museums in England]]
[[Category:Christian monasteries established in the 7th century]]
[[Category:Monasteries dissolved under the English Reformation]]
[[Category:William II of England]]
[[Category:675 establishments]]
[[Category:Churches completed in the 670s]]