Begun in 1870 by the famous London organ builder J.W. Walker, the Abbey organ was never completed as funds did not allow for the insertion of all the intended pipes.

Since the original installation behind the choir stalls in the St. Birinus Chapel, further work in 1903, 1961 and 1981 has brought the instrument nearer completion, but never tackled its appearance or its outrageously heavy keytouch.

Thanks to generous donations, Peter Collins (organ builder) and Boshers (builders), Martin Ashley (architect), Broadleaf construction (wood workers), and Ian Bell (organ advisor), have restored and completed the organ in a handsome new gallery.

The remaining 210 pipes have been added, the keytouch has been much improved, a new access staircase has been built and a computer-aided stop system included. The sacristy below the organ has also been refitted. The organ has three keyboards and pedals, 30 speaking stops and 1906 pipes. Read more about the organ.

The opening recital was given by Thomas Trotter on 5th April 2008.