History of Christ Church - First Free Church in UK

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The history of Christ Church on Julian Road is a landmark story of social reform and spiritual inclusion in 18th-century Bath. At a time when the city was a playground for the wealthy, this church was built with a revolutionary mission: to provide a place of worship for those who could not afford it.

The Vision: A "Free" Church

In the 1790s, the Anglican church system relied heavily on "pew rents," where individuals paid for the right to sit in specific seats. This effectively barred the poor from many of Bath’s fashionable chapels, such as the Octagon or the Assembly Rooms' services.

The idea for Christ Church originated with Archdeacon Charles Daubeny and was championed by the prominent abolitionist William Wilberforce. Their goal was to create a "proprietary chapel" where the ground floor would be entirely free to the poor, while the galleries would be rented to the wealthy to fund the church's operations. This was a radical departure from the norm and is considered one of the first examples of an "inclusive" church in the UK.
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Architectural Design

The church was designed by the leading Georgian architect John Palmer, who was also responsible for the famous Lansdown Crescent.

Completed in 1798: The building is a rare example of Neo-Gothic design within a city almost entirely defined by Neo-Classical and Palladian styles.

The Interior: Palmer designed a spacious interior with galleries on three sides to maximize seating. Because it was an independent chapel (not a parish church), it has a unique "independent" feel that persists to this day.

Later Additions: In 1865, an apse was added by the architect John Elkington Gill, and the chancel was later enriched with fine stained glass and ornate woodwork.

Survival and Modern Legacy

Unlike many historic buildings in Bath, Christ Church narrowly escaped destruction during the "Bath Blitz" of World War II, though it did suffer some damage.

Today, Christ Church remains an active and independent Anglican chapel within the Diocese of Bath and Wells. It has maintained its 200-year-old ethos of radical hospitality, notably serving as a spiritual home for the Windrush generation in the mid-20th century and continuing to be a leader in inclusive ministry in modern Bath.

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