Bath Abbey, England

Three churches have been built on the site of Bath Abbey: an Anglo-Saxon Abbey (757), a large Norman cathedral (1090, which later fell into ruin), and finally the current Abbey (1499, which also fell into ruin after the dissolution of monasteries by our pal Henry VIII in 1539). Today, it is a parish church for the Church of England.

The front of the Abbey with angels climbing up (and down?) Jacob’s Ladder.

Bath Abbey was built in the Perpendicular Gothic style (like the Palace of Westminster).

Another view of Bath Abbey, taken later in the day. Notice the clear, blue skies? The weather changes a lot in England. You have to pretty much be prepared for anything.

The stained glass in the Abbey is striking. The Abbey itself is a cruciform structure, and the stained glass surrounds the entire building making you feel like you’re inside a kaleidoscope. It is bright inside and quite grand.

One of the Abbey’s many chandeleirs.

One of the walls inside the Abbey.

The grand pipe organ, Bath Abbey.

When we arrived at the Abbey, a Danish boys choir was preparing to sing. Entrance is free, but they do ask for a £2.50 donation. The church has a nice gift shop, by the way.

 

Rear of Bath Abbey.