Appeal to fund Abbey's new stained glass window

A striking new stained glass window commemorating Saint Alphege could soon bring fresh light to Bath Abbey if a new fundraising appeal proves successful.

- Lewis Clarke

The Abbey is hoping to raise an additional £90,000 by the end of the year to complete the project, which has already secured 40 per cent of the required funds thanks to early donations, including support from The Friends of Bath Abbey.

Designed by acclaimed Bath-based stained glass artist Neil Ireson, the window will honour Saint Alphege, a Bath-born Christian martyr who rose to become Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006. Born in 953, Alphege was also Abbot of Bath Abbey in the early 980s, and is remembered for his message of peace and generosity.

If fully funded, the new window will be installed in 2026 in the Abbey's Saint Alphege Chapel - a space often used by international visitors for private prayer.

The artwork will form a powerful visual centrepiece, weaving in symbolism of Bath's dual waters - the River Avon and the historic Roman hot springs - alongside the Christian "Fountain of Life" and a border that subtly evokes international flags.