About

Join for a free and illuminating evening at Bath Abbey shining a new light on Saint Alphege, who was born in Bath in 953, became Abbot of Bath Abbey in the early 980s and Archbishop of Canterbury in 1006, before his untimely death in 1012 at the hands of Danish Vikings.

Alphege was venerated as a saint and martyr immediately after his death, for his heroic Christian example of peace-making, social justice and generosity.

The evening will include opportunities for Q&A with the speakers. Complimentary prosecco, non-alcoholic fizz and canapés will be served.

Free, but requires a ticket.

Programme highlights:

Talk by Dr Giles Mercer – The Importance of Alphege for Today's World
How the wisdom of a tenth-century monk can help us navigate the challenges of modern life. Dr Mercer will explore Alphege's profound insights on valuing people, courageous leadership, and the balance of inner prayer with outward action – especially relevant in today's diverse, multi-faith society.

Neil Ireson – The Saint Alphege Window
Hear from renowned stained glass artist Neil Ireson, commissioned by Bath Abbey to create a new stained glass window commemorating Saint Alphege. Neil will share exclusive updates on his design and creative process.

Dr Cathryn Spence – The History of Bath Abbey's Stained Glass
Bath Abbey's Curator introduces a new exhibition on the Abbey's stained glass, which guests will be able to view in the Discovery Museum after the talks.

Speakers:

Dr Giles Mercer
Dr Mercer and his family live in Bath, where his wife worships at Bath Abbey and he belongs to the parish of Our Lady and St Alphege. After graduating in history from Cambridge in 1971, he gained an Oxford doctorate in Italian Renaissance education. He went on to a distinguished career in education, serving as headmaster of Stonyhurst College (1985–1996) and Prior Park College, Bath (1996–2009). Honoured with a papal knighthood in 2004, he has worked across both state and independent Catholic education sectors, published widely on church history, and was closely involved in the 2012 millennial celebrations of St Alphege.

Neil Ireson
Neil is a Bath-based contemporary stained glass artist and painter with over 35 years' experience creating inspirational works for residential, ecclesiastical and commercial settings. He studied Fine Art (Painting) at the Central School of Art in London in the late 1970s, also training in stained glass under Patrick Reyntiens OBE, before completing an MA in History of Art at London University. His imaginative and beautiful designs have earned him a significant reputation in the UK and abroad. www.neilireson.com

Dr Cathryn Spence
Dr Spence joined Bath Abbey as Curator and Archivist in May 2024. A museum professional, lecturer, and historic buildings consultant, she has previously held roles at Bowood House, the American Museum in Britain, and the V&A Museum, among others. She is the author of four books on the history of Bath, and her most recent publication is Nature's Favourite Child – Thomas Robins and the Art of the Georgian Garden (2021), long-listed for the William M.B. Berger Prize for British Art History. She also writes regularly on Bath's architectural, cultural and social history.

Times
Doors open at 6.30pm, with talks starting at 6.50pm (please arrive promptly).

Numbers are limited, so we recommend booking your free ticket in advance online

Please note: Photography and filming may take place at this event. Footage and images may be used by Bath Abbey for marketing, publicity and archival purposes, including on our website, social media and YouTube channel. If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of staff on arrival.