St Augustine's Abbey, Ramsgate

St Augustine's Abbey in Ramsgate, also known as Ramsgate Abbey, is a former Benedictine monastery in the seaside town of Ramsgate, Kent. It is a Grade II listed building, and its story is closely tied to the Pugin name, one of the most influential families of architects in Victorian Britain.

What is Ramsgate Abbey?

The abbey was built in 1860 as a Benedictine monastery. The design is linked to the Pugin family, and the abbey is described as the first Benedictine monastery built in England since the Reformation. That matters: after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, this branch of monastic life had no purpose-built new home in the country for a very long time.

Who lived here, and what happens now?

The Benedictine monks stayed in Ramsgate until 2010, when the community moved to St Augustine's Abbey in Chilworth, Surrey. The former monastery site is now owned by the Vincentian Congregation from Kerala, India. It is a place that reflects how religious life in Britain has shifted, from English Benedictines to a community with roots in southern India.

The church across the road

Across the road stands the church of St Augustine, which belongs to the Archdiocese of Southwark. It serves as a shrine of St Augustine of Canterbury, the missionary who began converting the Anglo-Saxons at the end of the 6th century. The church is also where Augustus Pugin is buried. It is a working parish church, so visiting can be restricted during services.

What else is nearby?

For fans of Gothic Revival architecture, Ramsgate is one of the more rewarding stops in Kent. Close by is The Grange, Pugin's former home, along with a visitor centre devoted to his work. Visits to the house are reported to be by guided tour, which must be booked in advance. Check current opening times and rules on the official websites before you go, as they can change.

The abbey itself is no longer a working monastery, so treat it mainly as a stop on a walk along Ramsgate's West Cliff: you can take in the building from the outside, then cross the road to the church.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ramsgate Abbey still a monastery? No. The Benedictines left in 2010 and moved to Chilworth in Surrey. The site is now owned by the Vincentian Congregation from Kerala.

When was the abbey built? In 1860. It was the first Benedictine monastery built in England since the Reformation.

Is the building protected? Yes, it is Grade II listed.

What is the church opposite? The church of St Augustine, part of the Archdiocese of Southwark, a shrine of St Augustine of Canterbury.

Can I go inside? The church is an active parish church, and Pugin's house offers tours by prior booking. Check details with the organisers.