Abbey to rip out pews as church court rules seats are old-fashioned
CHURCHES don’t need pews any more because the buildings are increasingly used for cake sales and art exhibitions, a church court has said, as it ruled Bath Abbey can remove its Victorian seating.
The chancellor of the diocese of Bath and Wells has ruled that the abbey is allowed to remove the 19th century pews despite opposition from The Victorian Society, a conservation group.
In his ruling on the case he commented that while the pews had “moderate” architectural significance they were no longer appropriate because of the changing use of churches.
Representatives for the abbey argued that the nave of the church was used for “a wide variety of social and cultural purposes, including concerts, art exhibitions, university degree ceremonies and charity events.” They added that the pews were also uncomfortable, which Timothy Briden, the chancellor, said was “well-founded”. The issue is “accentuated” at secular events such as concerts and ceremonies which involve “prolonged sitting”, the abbey said.
The abbey’s current interior was designed by Sir George Gilbert-scott, the Victorian architect. Mr Briden argued that the seating was a “product of its age” and was installed in part because “the medieval use of the nave for secular purposes had long been abandoned”.
However, that secular purpose had now returned. “The revived use of churches for appropriate secular purposes is now recognised as both a service to the community and as an aid to the mission of the church,” he said.
The Victorian Society said it was considering an appeal. James Hughes, its churches conservation adviser, said: “The nave pews are unique to the abbey and are excellent examples of Scott’s work, with the carved pew ends modelled on surviving medieval examples in other 16th century Somerset churches. The Victorian Society believes that their loss will significantly diminish the abbey’s architectural and historical significance.”
The pews are set to be replaced with stackable wooden chairs. The society raised concerns about the chairs having enough space for hymn books and song sheets, but the abbey said these were being replaced by screens. The Rev Edward Mason, of Bath Abbey, said: “We strongly believe in the benefits of removing the pews. It will enable us to open up the abbey’s nave and side aisles to all and make it possible for people of different physical ability to sit where they choose.”