BRISTOL, United Kingdom — The Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom recently marked the completion of the restoration of an apartment at 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed and gave public presentations in 1911 and again in 1913 during His historic travels to the West.

Members of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, along with the architectural team and other invited guests, gathered to dedicate the apartment, which will now be open for visits.

In his welcoming remarks, Patrick O’Mara, a member of the National Assembly, highlighted how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promoted the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and their application to many contemporary issues. “‘Abdu’l-Bahá served all who crossed His path, no matter what their class, their race, or their religion. He was a loving father and friend, a wise counsellor and a refuge for all in need.”

Jonathan Lees, who led the architectural team that carried out the restoration work, stated: “There is something special about this space. Whether it be out on the balcony, or more particularly in the two rooms [where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed] there was always a feeling that we were doing something really special. There was this respect for history and what had happened in here.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s connection with 17 Royal York Crescent

In 1908, turmoil in the Ottoman capital culminated in the Young Turk Revolution, leading to the release of all the empire’s religious and political prisoners. Freed after decades of imprisonment and exile, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá embarked on a three-year journey from the Holy Land that took Him through Egypt, Europe, and North America to promote the cause of unity and peace.

Bristol was among the many stops during ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels. It was here that Wellesley Tudor Pole, an admirer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s who had previously visited Him in Egypt, offered hospitality. Tudor Pole had acquired adjoining properties at 16 and 17 Royal York Crescent, which had opened as a guest house. He extended an invitation to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to stay there during His September 1911 visit to England.

During his stay in Bristol, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave addresses about the condition of modern society, devoted to such concerns as peace, women’s rights, racial equality, social reform, and moral development.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá described the era as “the age of woman” and spoke about the need for women to receive the same privileges and opportunities as men, particularly in education.

Olinga Tahzib, another member of the National Assembly, shared insights into ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s profound interactions during His stay at Royal York Crescent. Mr. Tahzib recounted how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated each room of the house to the service of humanity, declaring that the house would serve as “a center of peace and rest for pilgrims from East and West,” symbolizing unity and a meeting point of diverse cultures.

In January 1913, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again came to Bristol during His return journey from North America to the Holy Land. On this occasion, He addressed approximately 150 attendees in the guest house, elaborating on several profound themes, including the necessity of universal peace and the importance of unity across racial and religious divides.

Shortly afterwards, a local newspaper published a message from Him to the people of Bristol, expressing His aspirations for them: “It is my hope that they will be assisted to serve the whole of humanity. May they become the means of creating good fellowship among the children of men.”

To mark the completion of the restoration, the National Spiritual Assembly has produced a film titled A Centre of Peace and Rest that explains the apartment’s history and highlights technical aspects of the renovation project.

Images of the balcony restoration.

Images of the restoration of the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave public talks.

The restoration aimed to bring the apartment as close as possible to its appearance at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit. The original floorboards and windows were restored, and new wallpaper and carpets were created, informed by elements visible in historic photographs of the rooms.

View of restored and reinstated windows, shutters, and doors.

Left: Images of the restoration of the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed. Right: A robe worn by Him will be on permanent display in an archival display cabinet.

The specialist architectural team found remnants of original plaster cornices and evidence of ceiling roses, now fully restored or recreated.

Varqá Khadem, a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, speaking at the dedication event.

Views of the guests gathered at the dedication program.

Group photo of members of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, the architectural team, and other guests at the dedication of the restored apartment at 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol.