Help Us Celebrate Bath’s Local Saint in Glorious Stained Glass
Through the creation of a new stained glass window designed by renowned Bath-based artist Neil Ireson, Bath Abbey will celebrate and commemorate the life of Saint Alphege, a Christian saint who was born in Bath in 953, became Abbot of Bath Abbey in the early 980s and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006.
With a fundraising target of £90,000 to be raised by 31 December 2025, we invite you to support our appeal and become part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a beautiful new stained glass window in the church of Bath’s local saint.
Neil Ireson’s remarkable design for the Saint Alphege Window, along with photos taken at different stages of the design process, can be seen throughout this page.
Who Was Saint Alphege?
Alphege was born in Bath in 953 and became Abbot (head) of the Anglo-Saxon monastery in Bath in the early 980s, before becoming Bishop of Winchester in 984 and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006. Whilst at Winchester, Alphege had dealings with the Danish invaders who were attacking Wessex and London. In 994, King Ethelred the Unready sent Alphege to negotiate with the Danish invaders. Although the Anglo-Saxons were forced to pay tribute, one of the Danes was converted to Christianity.
By 1011 the Danes had conquered much of southern England. In September, Canterbury was besieged and eventually fell. Alphege and others were imprisoned for seven months by the Danes, who demanded a ransom for their release. While ransoms were paid for the other prisoners, the sum demanded for Alphege was so enormous that he refused to pay and forbade his friends from doing so.
The Danes were so infuriated that, after a drunken feast, they clubbed Alphege to death with ox bones. Alphege was venerated as a saint and martyr after his death, exemplifying Christian values of peace-making, social justice and generosity.
About the Saint Alphege Stained Glass Window
‘These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer … for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.’ Isaiah 56:7
The Saint Alphege Window will be situated in the Abbey’s Saint 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 stained glass window will emphasise Bath Abbey’s commitment to being ‘A House of Prayer for all Nations’ for the local and global community.
‘For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light’ Psalm 36:9
Also captured in the awe-inspiring window design is Bath Abbey’s profound spiritual connection with the Christian symbol of the Fountain of Life, as well as the Abbey’s treasured relationship with the City of Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage City famed for its “two waters” of the River Avon and the Roman Hot Springs, energy from which now powers the Abbey’s innovative eco-friendly heating system.
As Bath Abbey’s visitors and worshippers encounter this beautiful new piece of contemporary Christian Art - which will be installed in 2026, if our fundraising is successful - they’ll learn more about Saint Alphege’s remarkable life, which was deeply rooted in Bath and the Abbey, and be inspired by his timeless message of generosity and peace.
With the generous support of our community, this vivid new depiction of our local saint will inspire visitors and pilgrims to Bath Abbey to pray and give thanks to God. The Saint Alphege Window’s bold themes of holiness, the Fountain of Life, and international mission will further strengthen our call at Bath Abbey to be ‘A House of Prayer for All Nations’, and we pray that this beautiful work of art, which communicates ancient truths in contemporary idiom, will inspire many to raise the cry: ‘Let there be Light!’."
Reverend Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey
Bringing Saint Alphege’s Story to Life – A Meaningful Experience for Every Visitor
By supporting the new stained glass window, you’re helping to create a richer, more meaningful experience for every person who steps into Bath Abbey. Through our enhanced learning programme, captivating exhibitions, inspiring visitor trails and unique Abbey Shop products, people of all ages will be invited to connect with Saint Alphege’s extraordinary story in ways that spark reflection, curiosity and faith.
Visitors won’t just learn about the past—they’ll be inspired by the timeless values of courage, sacrifice and compassion that shaped Saint Alphege’s life. Whether discovering hidden layers of the Abbey on a guided tour, engaging with hands-on activities, or simply pausing in front of the beautiful new window, your support ensures that Saint Alphege’s legacy will continue to move hearts and minds for generations to come.
Supporting Emerging Artists and Promoting Endangered Traditional Craft Skills
Working alongside Neil Ireson throughout the Saint Alphege Window project will be his apprentice. We’re delighted to be supporting a gifted member of the next generation of stained glass artists, enabling Neil’s apprentice to develop their craft whilst working alongside a world-renowned artist within an iconic church.
In addition, Abbey visitors will have the opportunity to watch Neil and his apprentice as they install the Saint Alphege Window, creating exciting engagement through ‘Heritage in Action’ and promoting the traditional craft skill of stained glass window making, which was placed on the Endangered Crafts list in 2023 by the Heritage Crafts Association.
Support Us and Shine New Light on Saint Alphege
Thank you for considering donating to support the Saint Alphege Window Appeal.
The extraordinary beauty of the Saint Alphege Window will be experienced in our lifetimes and by the generations that follow us, communicating Saint Alphege’s profound message of generosity and peace for hundreds of years to come. By donating to support this appeal, you’ll 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.
All donations will be deeply appreciated and acknowledged with a message of thanks, updates on the project, and invitations to special events at the Abbey.
Donate to the Alphege Appeal
You can donate now online, and choose to make a Gift Aid Contribution, which enables us to receive an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no additional cost to you.
Donate to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal by Bank Transfer
Please contact our Accounts Team using accounts@bathabbey.org for details on how to donate by direct transfer.
Donate to the Saint Alphege Window Appeal by Cheque
Donations by cheque should be made out to ‘Bath Abbey PCC’ with the reference ‘Alphege’ written on the back of the cheque. Please include a covering note that provides your name and contact details, so we can get in touch to thank you.
Cheques should be posted to:
Bath Abbey Finance Team
Bath Abbey Office
9 Kingston Buildings
Bath BA1 1LT
Philanthropic Support for the Alphege Appeal: Major Gifts and Grants
In addition to support from our community, Bath Abbey is also seeking to partner with philanthropists, Trusts, and Foundations. If you are interested in supporting the Saint Alphege Window Appeal with a major gift or grant, please get in touch with Cath Foxwell, Fundraising & Development Manager, using cfoxwell@bathabbey.org or Tel: 01225 303314.
Understanding the Fundraising Target
If we don’t meet our fundraising goal by the target date of 31st December 2025, we won’t be able to install the Saint Alphege Window in 2026 as hoped. Instead, we will refresh our fundraising approach and restart our appeal, continuing to seek financial support from individuals, philanthropists, Trusts and the community, until all funds are raised. If we exceed our fundraising target, the additional funds will be used to enhance the Saint Alphege Window learning and outreach activities that we will offer to community groups and schools.
Keep in touch with the Alphege Appeal
Contact Details
If you would like more information about the Saint Alphege Window or this fundraising appeal, please just get in touch using alphege@bathabbey.org
Latest News
Unveiling the Updated Saint Alphege Window Design
Fundraising Update: A Remarkable £33,403 Donated by Community to Saint Alphege Window Appeal
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Saint Alphege Window Appeal Sponsor
The Saint Alphege Window Appeal is sponsored by Mogers Drewett LLP
Mogers Drewett LLP is a leading Southwest legal and financial planning firm that takes pride in building long-term client relationships. From their offices in Bath, Frome, Sherborne and Wells, their people offer comprehensive expert advice across a range of legal and financial services for individuals and businesses. Whether you’re planning your retirement, starting a business, buying a family home or writing your will, you’ll get the highest quality advice delivered in a personal way – without the big city price tag.
Saint Alphege Window Appeal Supporters
This project is generously supported by various organisations and individuals. Learn more about the Saint Alphege Window Appeal's supporters below.
The Friends of Bath Abbey
The Friends of Bath Abbey has been in existence for over 75 years. Our members are from a wide range of backgrounds and ages. Most live in the Bath area, but some live in other parts of the United Kingdom or overseas. All share the same aim and interest - to help preserve and enhance the Abbey's magnificent architecture and ornaments for the pleasure and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Benefact Trust
Since 1972, Benefact Trust has awarded over £310 million to Christian organisations in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting communities of all faiths and none. Benefact Trust’s aim is to drive positive social change by empowering those who make a difference. Christian communities are at the heart of their giving, although the impact of what Benefact Trust does reaches much further.
To find out more, visit www.benefacttrust.co.uk
