If you are a local you will probably know already that the interior of Bath Abbey – the city’s parish church – is dominated by the memorial tablets that cover the walls and the large number of historic gravestones on the now pew-less floor.
There are, apparently, around 900 gravestones, and over 640 wall memorials. This is thought to be the largest collection of monuments in England, apart from Westminster Abbey.
Not all the wealthy people who came here to take our naturally-occuring spa waters were returned to good health and took their ‘rest’ under the Abbey floor. As ,eventually, did others who had retired to the city.
It is fascinating to go and look at their memorials. The Abbey does tours but now – l am pleased to say – you will soon have a permanent reminder of your visit to take away with you. Or indeed a well-researched reference book to take in with you.
Dr Oliver Taylor who is the Head of Interpretation at the Abbey tells me he has a very special book launch coming up.
“The History Press has published my book on the Abbey’s monuments: https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/bath-abbeys-monuments/9780750993739/.
It’s the first history of the monuments and the first book on the history of Bath Abbey to be published in 20 years!
So far, it’s been named “Book of the Week” by Church House Bookshop (“The Official Bookshop of The Church of England”)…
Your readers may be interested in this and that we’re holding a book launch at the Abbey (details below) to celebrate the publication next month.
Toppings, Mr. B’s, and the Abbey shop are stocking the book in the city, and Amazon, Foyles, Waterstones, and WH Smith’s are also selling it online. “
Bath Abbey’s Monuments – Book Launch: We will be celebrating the publication of the new book on the Abbey’s monuments at a special event in the Abbey on Wednesday 6 September at 6.30pm.
There will be a short talk by Ollie Taylor followed by an opportunity to get your copy signed and enjoy the monuments after hours until 7.45pm. We hope to see you there!
