After all the work has been completed, we will have a space we can use to enhance the spiritual and secular offerings this ancient building gives us.
That’s the promise delivered today as the new Rector of Bath Abbey talks to Bath Newseum for the first time.
He, of course, has arrived at the start of a multi-million, major construction programme to stabilise the floor and improve facilities.
The Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater said there was much disruption to come but it would all be worthwhile and the building would continue to function as a working church.
He also said – despite the costs – the Abbey was against formally charging for admission in the future.
I asked him – in choosing to move on from his former parish at Horsham in West Sussex – why he’d chosen to come to Bath.
NB. Apologies for the focus fault on my camera!
The pews being lifted are revealing a floor that hasn’t been seen for 150 years. It’s also revealing the various objects that have been lost in the void below the pews over the years.
Every thing from a three penny piece to four rings!
