Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III at Bath Abbey
On 11 May 973 AD Bath Abbey was the site of the coronation of Edgar, the “First King of All England”. This event became the template for all subsequent coronations, including that of our new King, Charles III, this May.
In 1973 Queen Elizabeth II visited the Abbey for a service to mark 1,000 years since the coronation of Edgar. During your visit look out for the ledgerstone on the floor that commemorates her visit.
Bath Abbey Celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III
NEW TOUR: Bath Abbey’s Crowning Glory
ExpandBath Abbey are offering a truly royal experience. As we celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, join us on a journey of the history of royalty at Bath Abbey. Step in the footsteps of some of the most prolific royals spanning a history of over 1,000 years.
Running on Fri 5 & Mon 8 only.
Tour included with entry*.
*Please note that the tour will not be running during the Coronation, which is being livestreamed in the Abbey. Entry fees will also not apply on the 6th, to allow everyone a chance to enjoy this historical event in the magnificent setting of the Abbey.
Friday 5 May – A Royal Celebration Concert
ExpandA concert fit for a King! The acclaimed Abbey choirs celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
The Abbey choirs sing music from past coronations and royal events. Featured items will include Parry’s I was glad, Handel’s Zadok the priest & Mathias’ Let the people praise thee.
The youngest Abbey choir, the Melody Makers, join the choirs of Boys, Girls and Lay Clerks in a glorious evening of Royal music.
Saturday 6 May – Watch the Coronation live in Bath Abbey
ExpandThe Coronation will be broadcast live in Bath Abbey at 11am and a Coronation Peal will be rung at the end of the service. Entry fees do not apply on this day, and tours will not be running.
Sunday 7 May – Coronation Services
ExpandAll the services in the Abbey will have a Coronation theme. The 3.30pm service will be a special Coronation Choral Evensong.
8am Holy Communion
9.30am Church Family Communion
11.30am* Sung Eucharist
3.30pm* Choral Evensong
6.30pm Informal Service
*We offer livestreams of these services for those who wish to join us online.
Monday 8 May – Patriotic Printing
ExpandBank Holiday Monday 8th May
10.00am – 4.00pm
Bath Abbey has royal connections dating back over 1000 years. Find out more about the kings and queens who shaped our amazing church. Print, cut and stick images to design your own colourful and unique picture to take home.
Age 4+. Free with normal admission.
Share your visit to the Abbey with us over the Coronation weekend by tagging @bathabbey in your photos
The Coronation at the Bath Abbey Shop
The Bath Abbey shop has plenty of Coronation memorabilia, literature and souvenirs, pop in today to see our friendly shop staff and pick up your memento of this joyous occasion. From bookmarks, pencils, coasters, magnets and mugs, to biographies and books about our Royal family, there is something for everyone.
Bath Abbey and the Coronation in the Press
How the ancient coronation ceremony has been shaped over the centuries…
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“The main elements of a coronation come from the crowning of the Saxon king Edgar the Peaceful, the first King of all England, at Bath Abbey in 973.“
Bishop of Bath and Wells to play historic role at Coronation…
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“Commenting on the announcement, the Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells says, “… The church family in Bath and Wells will be praying for their Majesties as we approach the Coronation and marking the event itself with services of celebration, community events and volunteering.””
A Brief History of Bath Abbey…
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“In the Anglo-Saxon times, stone would have been used from the old Roman Baths to build the first church on the site, which was described as a remarkable construction near the thermal springs. So much so that it was the site of the coronation of Edgar as “First King of All England” on 11 May 973, an event which became the template for all subsequent coronations, including that of our new King, Charles III, this May.”
The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Dr Michael Beasley, is announced as Bishops Assistant to the King at the Coronation, alongside the Bishop of Durham…
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“The part played by two supporting bishops dates back to the coronation of Edgar in 973: two bishops led him by hand into Bath Abbey. Since the coronation of Richard I in 1189, the Bishops of Bath & Wells and Durham have assumed this duty.“
King Charles Coronation: Bishop of Bath and Wells honoured by role…
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- King Charles Coronation: Bishop of Bath and Wells honoured by role:
“Bishop Beasley said: “I am deeply honoured that as the Bishop of Bath and Wells I will have the privilege of supporting His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty the Queen Consort during the service of coronation.“
Bath Abbey and the Coronation in the Press
- How the ancient coronation ceremony has been shaped over the centuries:
“The main elements of a coronation come from the crowning of the Saxon king Edgar the Peaceful, the first King of all England, at Bath Abbey in 973.“
- Bishop of Bath and Wells to play historic role at Coronation
Commenting on the announcement, the Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells says, “… The church family in Bath and Wells will be praying for their Majesties as we approach the Coronation and marking the event itself with services of celebration, community events and volunteering.”
- The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Dr Michael Beasley, is announced as Bishops Assistant to the King at the Coronation, alongside the Bishop of Durham:
“The part played by two supporting bishops dates back to the coronation of Edgar in 973: two bishops led him by hand into Bath Abbey. Since the coronation of Richard I in 1189, the Bishops of Bath & Wells and Durham have assumed this duty.“
- King Charles Coronation: Bishop of Bath and Wells honoured by role:
“Bishop Beasley said: “I am deeply honoured that as the Bishop of Bath and Wells I will have the privilege of supporting His Majesty King Charles and Her Majesty the Queen Consort during the service of coronation.“
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