Another step forward for abbey floor
Two-thirds of Bath Abbey’s historic floor has been restored and saved from collapse.
Bath Abbey says phase two of the £19.3m Abbey Footprint project is complete and work on the final phase will now begin.
The hoardings have come down on the north side of the abbey revealing the restored floor including the north aisle, north transept and part of the nave.
The Footprint project is scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2021 and when it is, eco-friendly underfloor heating using sustainable energy from Bath’s hot springs will be installed throughout.
The Reverend Canon Guy Bridgewater, Rector of Bath Abbey, said: “A huge amount of work has been carried out by a fantastic team of builders, engineers, restorers and many other people.
“Now the hoardings have come down in the north side, we’re able to appreciate fully the fantastic job they’ve done in this area to repair our historic floor and the newly restored ledgerstones.
“With each passing month, we’re able to see more and more of the benefits the Footprint project will ultimately bring once completed.
“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the project. While we recognise there might be some disruption with a third of the abbey being closed off for building work, we are grateful that we’re able to stay open throughout the process and welcome all who continue to come through our doors.”
The historic ledgerstones, some dating back to the 17th Century, have been reinstated and where needed new stones have been relaid depending on the level of damage to the original stones.
New steelwork has also been installed to support the Abbey’s Klais organ which is regularly used for church services and concerts.
The final phase will see redevelopment of the south side of the historic abbey.
Building work is also taking place to create new space and improved facilities in the underground vaults between Bath Abbey and Abbey Chambers, as well as in the adjacent terrace row of houses in Kingston Buildings which will house the new Song School.