Four environmental protesters were detained after scaling Bath Abbey’s tower to stage a demonstration, refusing to heed orders to come down. The activists, part of Christian Climate Action, sought to draw attention to urgent ecological issues by climbing the historic landmark and displaying a banner that read “Don’t Crucify Creation.”
Avon and Somerset Police arrived shortly after midday on Saturday and gained access to the Abbey’s upper tower chamber where the protesters had positioned themselves. Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams and paramedics, were called as a safety precaution due to the height involved.
The Abbey cancelled all remaining tours for the day, while roads surrounding the site were temporarily closed to ensure public safety during the incident. After several hours, two men and two women, aged between their 50s and 70s, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and later released pending further investigation.
“As the incident was at height, the fire and rescue and ambulance services were also called in. The individuals ignored a formal direction to leave and subsequently officers gained access to the room and escorted them out,” a police spokesperson said.
Christian Climate Action has previously focused on targeting religious institutions to highlight the moral imperative of addressing climate change. Their campaigns push for urgent measures to curb carbon emissions and protect biodiversity, urging faith communities to take a leadership role in ecological stewardship.
Bath Abbey, a historic site dating back to the 7th century, is one of Somerset’s most significant cultural landmarks, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The protest not only caused disruption but also reignited local debate over the responsibilities of religious organisations in tackling the environmental crisis.