Bath Abbey Achieves £90,000 Fundraising Goal for Saint Alphege Stained Glass Window
In July 2025, Bath Abbey launched a fundraising appeal to create a new stained glass window honouring Bath-born Saint Alphege. With 40% of the funds secured prior to the appeal going live—thanks to the generosity of supporters including The Friends of Bath Abbey—the Abbey set out to raise a further £90,000 to create an extraordinary work of Christian art celebrating Bath’s local saint. Today, Bath Abbey is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Saint Alphege Window Appeal.
More than a thousand years ago, Saint Alphege was born in Bath. From his early life as a humble monk, he rose to become
Abbot of Bath Abbey and later Archbishop of Canterbury, before his untimely death at the hands of Danish invaders. Throughout his life, Saint Alphege was guided by generosity, a commitment to social justice, and a pursuit of peace. He remains a figure of profound significance in the history of both Bath Abbey and the City of Bath, beloved by thousands around the world. Yet, despite his enduring legacy, his story has not been widely celebrated in his home city.
Now, thanks to generous donors including members of the congregation and visitors to the Abbey, Bathonians, Trusts and Foundations, local philanthropists and appeal sponsor Mogers Drewett LLP, Bath Abbey will honour Saint Alphege’s legacy where it all began. By shining new light on Saint Alphege through the creation of a glorious stained glass window, Bath Abbey will commemorate this beloved saint and share his extraordinary story with the world.
The Reverend Chantal Mason, Acting Rector of Bath Abbey, stated:
“We give heartfelt thanks to all who have donated to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal – we are so grateful for your support. Saint Alphege’s life of peace, principle, and courage still speaks powerfully to our time, and Bath Abbey’s new stained glass window will carry his story into the future – in vibrant colour and light, for generations to come. Bath Abbey does not exist simply to preserve the past; it exists to serve the future – to be a place where spiritual life, culture, and community meet. Because of the vision and generosity of our supporters, the Saint Alphege Window will be more than just a fitting memorial to this beloved saint; it will stand as a symbol of hope and a testament to what we can achieve together.”
The Friends of Bath Abbey made a generous donation in the early stages of the Saint Alphege Window Appeal, enabling vital development of the window’s design. Peter LeRoy, Chairman of The Friends of Bath Abbey, said:
“Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and locations, united by a shared passion for preserving and enhancing Bath Abbey’s magnificent architecture for the benefit of all. The Friends were delighted to support this worthy project, as the Saint Alphege Window will be a glorious addition to the Abbey. It will celebrate Bath Abbey’s unique sacred heritage while inspiring the hearts and imaginations of future generations through the remarkable story of Saint Alphege, reimagined in spectacular stained glass.”
Bath Abbey has commissioned renowned Bath-based stained glass artist Neil Ireson to design and create the new Saint Alphege Window for the Alphege Chapel. This chapel is a sacred space where thousands of international visitors come to pray for their loved ones, for the wider world, and for peace.
Production of the window will begin in March, with installation planned for winter 2026. During this time, Abbey visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch the Saint Alphege Window being installed by Neil Ireson and his expert team. Alphege-inspired tours, family trails, and engaging learning activities are planned, which will weave the story and values of Saint Alphege into Abbey life, enhancing worship, enriching the visitor experience, and offering fresh interpretation of Bath Abbey’s heritage. To find out more and stay up to date with news about the Saint Alphege Window, sign up to Bath Abbey’s newsletter on their website.