Campaigners argue the rows of historic Victorian pews are vital to the character of one of Britain’s most historic buildings.
But officials at Grade I-listed Bath Abbey wanted them removed in favour of stackable wooden chairs, saying it could attract more people by hosting concerts and bake sales.
Now it has joined a growing number of Church of England buildings which have seen fixed pews replaced with modern seating – to the horror of traditionalists.
Officials at Grade I-listed Bath Abbey want pews removed in favour of stackable wooden chairs, saying it could attract more people by hosting concerts and bake sales
The plan was approved yesterday after a failed bid by The Victorian Society which opposed the move at a consistory court meeting.
A church has stood on the site of Bath Abbey since 757AD, but the existing building largely dates from a 16th century restoration.
The former Benedictine monastery was renovated by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s, at which point rows of fixed pews were installed.
Officials at Abbey had to apply for permission from the Church of England for the ‘uncomfortable’ seating to be removed before a multi-million pound makeover could get underway.
At a court session in October, Rev Edward Mason said it was ‘facing crisis’ with an ageing congregation and decline in visitors, saying installing stackable chairs would free up floor space to host popular events.
‘Christians all over the city want to come here to worship in a way they want to,’ he said.
Rev Edward Mason (pictured) said removing the pews would make the church fit for the 21st century
‘Removing the pews would be making the church fit for the 21st century.
‘If we want this church to be able to grow to the people that come into it that’s what we need to reflect.’
He pointed out that until 1860 the abbey would have been completely open-plan and said it was once again time to update the building to suit today’s needs.
Rev Mason suggested the space could be used for concerts and ballet performances – but this was branded a ‘pipe dream’ by barrister Mark Blackett-Ord QC, who represented The Victorian Society.
It said removing the pews would cause ‘serious harm’ to the building.
Reflecting on the decision, James Hughes of The Victorian Society said: ‘We are grateful for the high level of support we had from members of the public – it’s always wonderful to see people eager to protect their heritage.
‘We are only sorry the outcome was not what we hoped for in this case.’
Hundreds of parishes have sold off Victorian wooden pews in recent years to open up churches for new uses such as concerts or children’s playgroups.
But in many cases parishioners have fought fierce campaigns of opposition, furious at the prospect of their church’s seemingly timeless interior being modernised with rows of chairs, often made of plastic.
Bath Abbey (featured) will now undergo a multi-million pound makeover that will repair the collapsing floor and install underfloor heating
Church of England places of worship do not require listed building consent from councils to undertake renovations.
Work at Bath Abbey is now expected to begin in the spring of 2018 following a decade of planning, consultation and development.
The project will see the collapsing floor repaired and underfloor heating installed – powered by energy from Bath’s natural hot springs.
Developers believe it could produce 1.5 megawatts of energy – enough to heat the Abbey.
The Footprint Project, which will also provide facilities for researchers and students and a calming space for worshippers and visitors, is to cost £19.4 million, helped by donations and a £10.7 million Heritage Lottery grant.