61. OUTSIDE THE BIRDE CHANTRY RH RH

William Birde’s Chantry dates from the early 16th century, although there was a 19th century restoration.  It is used today as a place for private prayer. It is decorated with exquisitely carved letters and birds in honour of William Birde. He was prior of the Abbey.   INDEX

62. INSIDE THE BIRDE CHANTRY WH WH

Looking out from the Birde Chantry at left reveals some interesting diffraction patterns, and we see a little of the Chantry ornamentation. The Chantry has a simple altar and cross. A chantry was an endowment founded for a priest (or priests) to celebrate masses for the soul of the founder.

63. GETHSEMANE CHAPEL G

Behind the Birde Chantry and in the corner of the Abbey, we find this Gethsemane Chapel. This was originally called the Norman Chapel, but was redesigned by Thomas Graham Jackson to became the War Memorial Chapel before taking its present name. [Photo Credit: Google]

64. CHAPEL ALTAR WH WH

The chapel has a simple altar with a rather stunning altar cloth, and a reredos behind with a crucifixion theme.    The Chapel seems an appropriate place for an Amnesty candle to be burning.

65. CHAPEL EAST WINDOW RH

The East window in this Chapel is by Bell of Bristol,1952. This window is interesting with the round top indicating that it was part of the original Norman Cathedral. In fact the rere-arch (inner arch) of this East window incorporates the sole surviving Norman arch in the building. • In 1088, Benedictine monks took over the Abbey site and a Norman Cathedral was built by Bishop John de Villula (John of Tours). The Bishop’s See was moved to Bath in around 1091 due to the importance of the town and its springs. The window pictures these events.

66. SANCTUARY AREA G

We finally come to the sanctuary area. Of particular interest here is the special chair (cathedra?) at left, the two columns of bishops, the East window, and the high altar.     [Photo Credit: Google]

67. CARVED CHAIR WH

Near the high altar is the magnificent celebrant’s chair. If this were a cathedral,one would assume this to be the cathedra with a carved bishop’s mitre. Perhaps from the past?

68. BISHOP STRIPS IS IS

A short column of bishops stands on either side of the Great East Window.   Only four bishops appear here.

69. EAST WINDOW RH J&J

Two views of the Great East Window. The glass is by Clayton & Bell from 1872. The window depicts too many scenes to list, but has 56 scenes from the life of Christ, and over 20 Saints depicted in the traceries. The circles at the top depict the Arms of The city of Bath and The diocese of Bath and Wells. The window was almost destroyed in the air raids of 1942, but was successfully restored by Michael Farrar Bell and rededicated in 1955.

70. HIGH ALTAR WH

We conclude our tour of Bath Abbey at the high altar. The altar and reredos are wide and decorative in a simple way. A silver Cross and two candlesticks stand on the altar – a feature commonly observed in Christian churches and cathedrals. The altar is the centre of attention for the distribution of the Eucharistic Elements – a significant expression of Christian belief.