Dreaming of Angels

As the story goes, the Bishop of Bath, Oliver King, had a dream of angels ascending and descending from heaven and as you enter the western end of the Abbey these can be seen on the exterior and are known as “the ladders of angels”.

As far as Abbeys and Churches go, of which there are many in the UK, Bath Abbey would have to be up there on my top 5 list. The stone fan vaulted ceilings are just stunning, particularly over the nave of the Abbey, being added by Sir George Gilbert Scott replacing the rotting timber ceilings in the late 1800’s.

The lead light and stained glass windows that surround you, were also added by Scott sometime between 1863 and 1874, dominating nearly every wall of the church. Massive gas chandeliers still hang from the ceiling today, now converted to electricity.

In contrast to a typical Catholic Church, the architecture and decoration is Victorian Gothic Architecture at its finest, classical and understated, but just as jaw dropping nonetheless (in my opinion).

A donation of £2.50 per person is appreciated but well worth spending to see this beautiful piece of religious history.  Various Tower tours are also available where a spectacular view of Bath City can be experienced.

More information and current opening times can be found here.