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
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.
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, they’ll learn more about Saint Alphege’s remarkable life – so deeply rooted in Bath and the Abbey – and be inspired by his timeless message of generosity and peace.
The Fountain of Life in an earlier iteration of Neil Ireson’s design
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.”
Bringing Saint Alphege’s Story to Life – A Meaningful Experience for Every Visitor
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, Saint Alphege’s legacy will continue to move hearts and minds for generations to come.
Meet the Artist: Neil Ireson
Bath Abbey has commissioned renowned stained glass artist, Neil Ireson, to design and create the new Saint Alphege stained glass window. Neil is a Bath-based contemporary stained glass artist and painter, specialising in the creation of inspirational stained glass. Neil studied BA Fine Art (Painting) in the late 1970’s at The Central School of Art in London, where he also studied stained glass under Patrick Reyntiens OBE, followed by an MA in the History of Art at London University.
With more than 35 years’ experience, Neil has established a significant reputation both in the UK and abroad for creating imaginative and beautiful artworks for a range of diverse projects in residential, ecclesiastical and commercial environments.
Learn about Neil’s work
To receive invitations to special Saint Alphege Appeal events at Bath Abbey, exclusive Appeal updates, and a personalised message of thanks for your donation, when donating online please make sure that you select the option consenting to be contacted by email on the ‘How Should We Contact You?’ page.
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.
