Sherborne Abbey has launched a £1m fundraising appeal to support a vital upgrade.

Work on the new facilities started last month. The vestry will be adapted to provide toilets and a new vestry will be created beneath the organ loft.

The Lady Chapel and Ambulatory will be made more accessible, including a wheelchair lift and a permanent hospitality area.

The abbey welcomes more than 50,000 visitors each year and hosts services, concerts and civic occasions throughout the year, yet it currently has only one lavatory, dubbed the ‘choir boy toilet’ as it is accessed via a very steep spiralling staircase.

The Reverend Martin Lee, Team Rector of Sherborne Abbey, said: “The church recognised that the Abbey needed significant improvements – even part of my job spec when applying for the role was to tackle toilets!

“The current lack of facilities is completely unsuitable for many of our visitors, especially older members of the congregation, families and people with disabilities.

“We must make adjustments to provide accessible toilets for disabled users, as well as all those who visit us. This is about how we care for the people who come to the abbey.

“Combined with upgrades such as the installation of a wheelchair lift and the enhanced hospitality provision that will support social engagement for the congregation, these improvements will enable Sherborne Abbey to serve its community with dignity, accessibility and care.

“This will ensure that the Abbey remains not only a place of beauty, worship and heritage, but one that is welcoming, inclusive and practical for all.”

How Friends of Sherborne Abbey are helping out

After more than four years of consultation and planning, the facilities upgrade programme was granted permission in December 2025. Phase 1 of the project involves moving the monuments for Sir John Horsey and Abbot Clement, in readiness for the new vestry. This phase, and more, has been part funded by the Friends of Sherborne Abbey. To date, more than £540,000 has been raised or promised towards the project.

Information boards detailing the facilities upgrade programme are on display in the abbey, plus further information and plans can be viewed online.

Anyone wishing to donate can do at JustGiving