Bath Abbey, Grade I listed parish church in Bath, England
Description
Bath Abbey is a parish church in Bath, England, built in the Gothic style with large windows that fill much of the wall space. The interior ceiling displays stone fan vaults, and the walls carry detailed stone carving that gives the space an open and bright character.
History
A monastery stood on this site from 757, where King Edgar received his crown in 973, setting the pattern for later English coronations. The current building arose after a vision by Bishop Oliver King in the late 15th century and took several decades to complete.
Culture
The Abbey houses 1,526 memorial stones, with 635 mounted on walls and 891 on the floor, documenting the lives of Bath residents through generations.
Practical
Visitors can climb 212 steps to reach the tower platform, which offers views across the city and access to the bell chamber. The climb is narrow and requires some fitness, but the outlook at the top rewards the effort.
Did you know?
The west front shows stone ladders with angels climbing up and down, depicting the vision of Bishop Oliver King that inspired the rebuilding. This scene is one of the few architectural renderings of a dream in England.
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