Bath Abbey

The late-Gothic cathedral of the Bishop of Bath and Wells is known simply as "the Abbey", a reflection of the long history of abbey churches preceding it on the site. The present building was started by Bishop Oliver King who, on his consecration in 1495, dreamed of angels ascending and descending ladders to and from heaven, at the same time hearing a voice declare that "the crown should plant an olive tree and the king restore the church". This he interpreted as a sign to rebuild the church. His dream is immortalized in stone on the west front where, above olive trees encircled by crowns, angels can be seen ascending and descending tall ladders surrounded by apostles. The figure of Christ appears high up in the tympanum. The interior of the church has three aisles and unusually shallow transepts. Superb fanvaulting by the Vertue brothers adorns the chancel and side aisles (1504-18). When building was finally completed at the end of the 16th century (after several lengthy interruptions), there were insufficient resources to vault the nave. Its fan tracery consequently dates only from the late 19th century. Flying buttresses were added at the same time to give increased strength. The somewhat plain interior is chiefly distinguished by the tombs of various 16th and 17th century bishops, as well as by numerous tablets and memorials.