Bath Abbey

A church built over many centuries

There has been a church on this site since 675, when land was granted for a convent, and King Edgar was crowned here in 973. After 1090 the Normans began a far larger cathedral, but by the late 15th century it lay in ruins. Bishop Oliver King started the present building in 1499 and work carried on until 1611. Look up at the west front for the stone ladders with angels climbing them, a Jacob's Ladder image linked to a dream attributed to King.

Inside the abbey

The fan vaulting was designed by Robert and William Vertue, and the nave vault you see today came with Sir George Gilbert Scott's restoration in the 1860s and 1870s. The walls and floor carry 617 wall memorials and 847 floor stones, which reward a slow walk round. A 30-minute highlights tour of the abbey floor is included with entry, and there are two audio tours, one of them on the abbey's links with empire and slavery.

Climbing the tower

Tower tours last about an hour and climb 212 steps. You pass behind the clock face, look down on the vaulted ceiling from above and hear about the bells before reaching the roof for a panorama of Bath. With the Roman Baths next door and Sally Lunn's around the corner, the abbey fits easily into a morning in the centre.

Highlights

• Present church begun in 1499 and completed in 1611
• Fan vaulting designed by Robert and William Vertue
• Stone angel ladders on the west front
• 212-step tower tour with views over Bath
• Grade I listed

Good to know

• Tower tours run Monday to Saturday, subject to availability; book online or at the welcome desk.
• A 30-minute highlights tour of the abbey floor is included with entry.
• Self-paced audio tours are available, including one on the abbey's links with the transatlantic slave trade.

Frequently asked questions