A church has existed on this site since the 7th century, with the present day Abbey being generally regarded as Britain’s last great medieval church. The original Saxon church was rebuilt by the Normans around 1080AD as an abbey and this in turn was replaced by the present structure, with building commencing in 1499, overseen by Bishop King.

During the reformation, the abbey suffered greatly at the hands of Henry VIII and fell into a state of abject disrepair. Restorative work began in 1603 to make good the damage suffered. Further work, between 1860 and 1883, included the stone vaulting of the nave. The Abbey has wonderful large, stained-glass windows, characteristic of the Perpendicular style of construction. The entire structure is said to have 365 windows, one for each day of the year.

The beautiful fan vaulting, high up in the roof, was designed and built by William and Robert Vertue, who were also responsible for a similar design within the Henry VII chapel in Westminster Abbey. The exterior is complemented with massive flying buttresses, crocketed pinnacles, and a castellated parapet.

Today, the Abbey has been carefully modified, resulting in a stunning interior which includes many monuments and memorials to residents of the city, as well as local benefactors and philanthropists. It sits within an elegant square, close to the city centre and other dominant buildings such as the Guild Hall and the Pump Room.

Beneath the Abbey are the Heritage Vaults, opened to the public in 1994. Displays and exhibits here outline the history of the Abbey, and the important part that religion played in the city’s past. Exhibits include Saxon and Norman sculpture, as well as the Abbey silver collection.

Entry to the Abbey is free, although a donation is expected towards the massive upkeep costs. Entrance to the vaults is £3 with a ramp in situ for wheelchair visitors. The vaults are open on Monday-Saturday, 10am–4pm.

The Abbey still plays a central role in the life of the city as one of it's parish churches with regular services, concerts, and recitals held inside. To view it at it's best, visit on a clear, spring day when the stonework will reflect the crisp light, adding a mystical warmth to the building.

Bath Abbey is not the main reason most visitors come to the city, but its accessible location (just across the plaza from the Roman Baths) makes it an easy stop on any trip. In fact, we found it pretty much deserted, but that gave an even better atmosphere for exploring the church. Compared to others in England, it is a fairly small church. The structure actually reminded me of a miniature Canterbury Cathedral. The sun shining through the brightly colored stained glass was especially beautiful when we visited (in late winter). To tell the truth, there is nothing that sticks out in my mind which struck me about the Abbey, but I remember that it was a nice respite from the bustle of the plaza just outside. Stop in for a quick look.

Bath Abbey reminded me of a church here in Pittsburgh, St. Benedict the Moor, on the inside. However, Bath Abbey was much better and much older.

Three churches have occupied the site where Bath Abbey now stands dating all the way back to Anglo-Saxon times. The main entrance faces the courtyard, where the Bath House entrance is located, but I suggest to go the Heritage Vaults entrance first. A 3 pound contribution is politely asked to view this one room dedication to the preservation of church history. Scriptures from Norman and medieval times are on display and a wax figure of a Benedictine Monk in prayer is also on display.

You can enter the main church from the Heritage Vaults. I had to go this way because the church had a program in session and going to the Heritage Vaults was a way to kill time before the Abbey opened for visitors.

The current church has a great pipe organ and alter like you have ever seen. It is clear that the congregation of Bath Abbey are truly dedicated to the future of Bath Abbey. The church underwent restoration in 2000 so, for visitors in 2005, you can experience Bath Abbey in full effect!

There are volunteers willing to give tours and explain the history, but I chose to just walk around and soak it all in. Bath Abbey also has a bookstore where you can find Christian literature, art and jewelry. Tapes and CDs of the Abbey's choir and organ and of other Christian music are also on sale.

I highly suggest Bath Abbey to be one of your stops. It doesn't matter what religion you are because this is history and all history this is for FREE! Don't feel bad about taking pictures because it is allowed, but no tripods.

Begun on the site of an earlier abbey in 1499, this abbey soars. A series of flying buttresses on each side divide five large light windows. As with many churches this size, the exterior is as much an architectural wonder as the interior. Witness the wonderful stone carving of ascending and descending angels looking down on Abbey Square. The perpendicular window on this face is spectacular when viewed from the interior. Do visit the Abbey heritage vaults to appreciate the history of the site.

You'll easily find the Abbey, its Gothic spires soaring above the center of town. It is one of the highlights of Bath. In 676 AD, the Convent of Christian nuns was founded in Bath. Edgar, the first effective King of England was crowned there in 973. The Abbey was destroyed, and in 1499, the present cathedral was founded to replace it. The Abbey was damaged during the bombing in 1942. It was explained to us that the Germans bombed the places of beauty and history, not necessarily just the population centers, in an attempt to demoralize the people.

Today the Abbey is a place of worship and a tourist attraction. When we visited, there was a lovely elderly lady, a volunteer docent, who was obviously proud of the cathedral. She pointed out the maginificent stained glass windows, explaining which ones told the story of the Old Testament. She assured us she would be there to answer any questions and welcomed us to walk around. Photography is allowed, even with flash, as long as there are no services.