A new look for Bath-born saint

Recent research has resulted in some changes to the appearance of a Bath-born saint who will be featured in a new stained-glass window at Bath Abbey.

Supporters of the church’s Saint Alphege Window Appeal have generously donated £33,403 since the Appeal was launched in July. With £56,597 remaining to reach the £90,000 fundraising target, the Abbey is hoping more members of the community will donate to the fund.

It is also now sharing a new design for the Saint Alphege stained glass window by Bath-based artist, Neil Ireson, who told Bath Newseum:

“I’m delighted to share this updated design of the Saint Alphege Window, which has been developed to include fascinating details about Saint Alphege gained through consultation with Alphege experts, including Dr Giles Mercer and Abbot Geoffrey Scott of Douai Abbey.

For instance, through the advice of Abbot Geoffrey, I learned that Saint Alphege, like all monks of that time, wore a particular form of black habit and would have been clean-shaven and fully tonsured. These historically accurate details, along with other refinements which communicate the richness of Alphege’s story, have led to a vibrant development of the window’s design.” 

Reverend Chantal Mason, Acting Rector of Bath Abbey, said:

“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal – thank you! Saint Alphege was a man of principle, of peace, and of remarkable moral courage; his message is as urgent and inspiring today as ever. The new stained glass window will ensure that Saint Alphege’s story is remembered and reimagined in light and colour — a visible reminder to all who enter Bath Abbey of what it means to lead with courage and live with purpose.

The Saint Alphege Window will not only reflect a tribute to the past but also become a symbol of what we can achieve together. Whether your interest lies in preserving sacred heritage, supporting the arts, investing in faith for the future or the cultural fabric of our city, your support of our Saint Alphege Window Appeal matters and will become part of something truly lasting. If it’s within your means to donate to our appeal at this time, we would be so thankful for your support. Through your generosity, Bath Abbey will continue to be a place where history speaks and gives meaning, where beauty inspires, and community is nurtured.”

More than a thousand years ago, Saint Alphege was born in Bath. A humble monk who rose to become Abbot of Bath Abbey and later Archbishop of Canterbury before his untimely death at the hands of Danish Vikings, Alphege’s life was centred in generosity, social justice and peace. Now, we have a rare opportunity to honour Saint Alphege’s legacy where it all began. 

Alphege is a vitally important figure in the history of Bath Abbey and the City of Bath, and he is venerated by thousands across the world. Yet his story, until now, has not been widely celebrated in his home city. Bath Abbey is changing that – by shining new light on Saint Alphege through the creation of a glorious stained glass window, honouring this beloved saint and sharing his extraordinary story with the world.

The new stained glass window will be situated in the Abbey’s Alphege Chapel, a sacred space where many of Bath Abbey’s thousands of international visitors seek sanctuary to pray for their loved ones, for the wider world, and for peace. Through Neil Ireson’s design, which includes a striking border that evokes international flags, the Saint Alphege Window will emphasise Bath Abbey’s commitment to being “A House of Prayer for all Nations” for the local and global community. 

The new Saint Alphege Window will not only strengthen the Abbey’s mission through its bold themes and stunning contemporary design, but Bath Abbey will also weave Saint Alphege’s story and values throughout Abbey life, ensuring everyone can connect with Alphege. The Saint Alphege Window will also be experienced by the generations who follow us in the future. Hundreds of years from now, people will still be sharing Saint Alphege’s message of peace, generosity and social justice.

Donations to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal can be made online through Bath Abbey’s website at www.bathabbey.org/alphege-appeal. All donations will be deeply appreciated and acknowledged with a message of thanks, regular updates on the project, and invitations to special events at the Abbey. In addition to support from the community, Bath Abbey is also seeking donations from philanthropists and applying for grants from Trusts and Foundations. 

The extraordinary beauty of the Saint Alphege Window will be experienced in our own lifetimes and by the generations that follow us, communicating Saint Alphege’s profound message for hundreds of years to come. By donating to this project, supporters will join Bath Abbey on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to create a new stained glass window, shining new light on Saint Alphege – Bath’s local saint.