Abbey, Bath
Bath, England , founded, 676 , by King Osric for a community of nuns. It subsequently passed to the Benedictines , and was reformed by Saint Dunstan. King Edgar was crowned in the abbey -church, 973 . Saint Elphege was abbot for a time. In 1088 William Rufus granted the abbey and lands to John of Villula, Bishop of Wells, who later restored the lands to the abbey . Destroyed by fire, 1137 , it was later rebuilt. In the 13th century a dispute arose between the monks and the canons of Wells as to their respective rights in electing the bishop . By a decree of Innocent IV the election was held alternately in either city, the bishop had a throne in both churches, and was thenceforth styled Bishop of Bath and Wells . The monastery was suppressed, 1539 , and the present church occupies only the nave of the Norman structure begun, 1500 , to replace John of Villula’s church. It was restored, 1874 . See also the patron saints index .