New lease of life for St John's Chapel

Until 1727 Ralph Allen, Master of Ceremonies and influential businessman, used the chapel as a base for what is now the British postal system. The chapel railings were used for the ‘war effort’ in World War 11, while the stained glass in the lower windows was removed to safety but were later stolen.

Most recently St Michael’s has undergone a £28,000 facelift, with the removal of the old cramped pews, the installation of a modern energy saving lighting system and durable carpeting throughout.  The specially designed chairs now enable older residents with disabilities to access the seating more easily or get their wheelchairs into position, so the building can be used for meetings, fundraising gatherings and other purposes, not just as a place of worship.

Chaplain John Goodden welcomed Bishop Peter Maurice to officiate at the ceremony.  He said afterwards “Today we celebrate the latest refurbishment of this ancient and historically significant building, which provides a warm comfortable place not just to worship but also for a variety of uses, as churches used to be many years ago, when they served the community as a meeting place, market and theatre. It is also appropriate timing as the almshouses around the Chapel are being completely modernised as well.”

Other guests at the Rededication Service included the Mayor and Mayoress of Bath, the Rector of Bath Abbey and the Rural Dean, as well as the Board of Trustees of St John’s Hospital and the Senior Management Team.

The Chapel of St Michael's Within is open to the public at various times during the week. For details about the Chapel Services, the opening hours and other information, please contact John Goodden, Chaplain or Tim Egan, Verger on 01225 486411.