News and Features

In 2009, the Diocese of Bath and Wells is celebrating its 1,100-year anniversary.

Previously the South West's spiritual leadership was taken care of by the Bishops of Sherborne however this proved to be too big an area to be effective so the Diocese of Bath and Wells was established in 909.

Bath and Wells now has 570 churches organised in 490 parishes serving a total of 830,000 people.

"The anniversary provides us with an opportunity to make a public affirmation of the role of the Christian Church in Somerset," said Diocesan Bishop, Rt Revd Peter Price.

"More specifically it provides an opportunity for the Church of England to reaffirm its commitment to the people of the parishes it serves."

In 2009, every parish has been invited to take part in a range of events throughout the year.

The celebrations proper will begin on Saturday 10 January 2009 with a Diocesan Eucharist in Bath Abbey (at 2 pm) at which the Bishop of Taunton, Rt Revd Peter Maurice, will preside and Bishop Peter price will preach.

Other events due to take place this year include a 60 mile Youth Pilgrimage from Sherborne Abbey on Palm Sunday (5 April) to Wells Cathedral on Maundy Thursday.

Two books have been specially written for the celebrations – Bath and Wells: A Diocesan Celebration by Dr Robert Dunning, the former official historian of Somerset County and Big Drips from Bath and Wells, a children’s book by local historian Hilary Binding.

Bath Ales are also producing a special anniversary ale called The 1100 and there is also  a special cider.

Are you planning an event? If so, contact us at somerset@bbc.co.uk with the details.