Sacred Monuments in the United Kingdom

Titchfield Abbey

Fareham

Titchfield Abbey is a ruined medieval abbey turned Tudor mansion, set in the village of Titchfield near Fareham in Hampshire, England. Its best-known feature is a Tudor gatehouse built right into the old abbey church, and the site is looked after today by English Heritage. What is Titchfield Abbey? The abbey was founded in the early 13th century for Premonstratensian canons, an austere order of priests. Sources differ slightly on the exact year, but all place the foundation in the 1220s or 1230s. It was a minor house of its order: it never grew rich or influential during roughly three centuries of monastic life. The canons were known mainly for scholarship, and their library was considered very impressive. Titchfield is often described as the last monastery of this order founded in England. How did an abbey become a country house? After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, the property passed to Thomas Wriothesley, a rising courtier who later became the 1st Earl of Southampton. Instead of demolishing the buildings, he converted them into a grand residence known as Place House. The new gatehouse was inserted into the nave of the former church, which is why the ruins look so unusual today: a monastic nave reused as the front of a Tudor mansion. Why is it linked to Shakespeare? The 3rd Earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, was a patron of William Shakespeare, who dedicated his narrative poems "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece" to him. English Heritage notes a belief that some of Shakespeare's plays may have been performed here for the first time. This remains a tradition rather than a proven fact, but it adds to the site's appeal for literature fans. Who stayed here? Place House hosted royal guests over the years, including Edward VI, Elizabeth I, and Charles I with his queen, Henrietta Maria. What happened later? In 1781 the mansion was abandoned and partly demolished, leaving the ruins visible today. The remains were taken into state care in the early 20th century and are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. What can you see today? The imposing gatehouse, the most striking part of the site Remains of the medieval abbey church and monastic buildings Traces of the Tudor conversion layered over older walls Frequently asked questions Where is Titchfield Abbey? In Titchfield village, close to Fareham in Hampshire, at roughly 50.856 N, 1.232 W. Who founded it? Premonstratensian canons settled here in the early 13th century; the founding is generally credited to a Bishop of Winchester. Is it connected to Shakespeare? Yes, through his patron, the 3rd Earl of Southampton, who owned the house. Performances of the plays here are a tradition, not a confirmed fact. Who looks after the site? English Heritage, as a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. Is it worth a visit? Yes, for anyone interested in medieval monastic life, Tudor history, or Shakespeare's world. The combination of abbey and mansion in one ruin is rare.

Leicester Abbey

Leicester

Leicester Abbey: the ruins of Leicestershire's wealthiest religious house Leicester Abbey is what remains of a former Augustinian abbey in the city of Leicester, in the English Midlands. The site is a Grade I listed building, the highest level of heritage protection in England. The community's full name was the Abbey of Saint Mary de Pratis, or Saint Mary of the Meadows. Who founded Leicester Abbey, and when? The abbey was established in the 12th century, with 1143 usually given as the year of foundation. Its founder was Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester, who settled a community of Augustinian canons there. It counted among the largest abbeys in England and, within Leicestershire itself, grew into the richest religious establishment. Where did the abbey's wealth come from? Its fortune grew through patronage and donations. The abbey gained the advowsons, the rights to appoint clergy, of countless churches across England, along with large landholdings and several manorial lordships. It also kept a cell, a small dependent religious house, at Cockerham Priory in Lancashire. Special privileges granted by English kings and by the Pope strengthened its position. The abbey was exempt from sending representatives to parliament and from paying tithe on certain land and livestock. Why did the abbey decline? Despite those privileges and its sizeable estates, financial trouble set in from the late 14th century, and the abbey had to lease out some of its lands. The situation worsened through the 15th and early 16th centuries under a series of abbots described as incompetent, corrupt and extravagant. By 1535 its debts were greater than its still considerable income. The end of the abbey Monastic life at Leicester Abbey ended during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey was finally closed in 1538 by Henry VIII. What survives today are ruins that recall the former standing of the place. Frequently asked questions What is Leicester Abbey? The ruins of a former Augustinian abbey in Leicester, known in full as the Abbey of Saint Mary de Pratis. Who founded it? Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester, in the 12th century; 1143 is the date usually cited. When was the abbey closed? In 1538, on the orders of King Henry VIII. Is it a protected monument? Yes. It is a Grade I listed building, the highest category of listing in England. Why did the abbey fall into trouble? From the late 14th century it struggled financially, and incompetent, extravagant abbots in the 15th and early 16th centuries deepened its debts.

Ruins of Knowlton Church

The Ruins of Knowlton Church stand in east Dorset, England, in an unusual setting: the medieval church was built inside a much older Neolithic earthwork. Today the roofless walls rise from a grassy circular bank, and the site is looked after by English Heritage. What is Knowlton Church? Knowlton Church is a ruined Norman parish church near the village of Knowlton in Dorset. It is a scheduled monument, and the ruined building is listed Grade II*, which reflects its architectural and historical value. The site is usually described together with the surrounding earthworks as Knowlton Church and Earthworks. Why is the church inside a henge? The church sits within a Neolithic henge, a circular enclosure of bank and ditch known locally as the Knowlton Rings. It is the best preserved of three henges that make up the group called the Knowlton Circles, and it is usually dated to roughly 3000-2400 BC. That means the earthwork is thousands of years older than the church built within it. Nobody knows for certain why the builders chose this spot. English Heritage points out that the pairing of henge and church is often read as a symbol of the shift from pagan to Christian worship in the landscape. There is also a practical side to the story: because the church stands here, the earthwork has been better preserved than it might otherwise have been. How old are the ruins? The earliest parts of the building are the 12th-century chancel and nave. A tower was added in the 15th century, and a north aisle followed at the start of the 18th century. So the church grew over several hundred years, even as the community around it dwindled. What happened to the village? The medieval village of Knowlton was probably struck by the Black Death, and its population never recovered in the way that would have kept a church busy. The church was still in use in 1550, but by 1659 there were calls to demolish it because it was so little used. Its fate was sealed in the 18th century, when the roof collapsed. What remains today is the shell of the walls and the tower. Is it worth visiting? For anyone interested in British history, the site rewards a short stop. You can see two very different layers of the past in a single view: a prehistoric ceremonial enclosure and the stone remains of a medieval church. The open, quiet setting suits a slow walk around the bank and the ruin, and it combines well with a wider trip through the Dorset countryside. Photographers often find the contrast between the grassy ring and the broken walls especially striking. Frequently asked questions Who looks after Knowlton Church? English Heritage manages the site. How old is the henge? It dates to roughly 3000-2400 BC. When was the church built? The oldest parts, the chancel and nave, date from the 12th century. Why is it a ruin? The village declined, likely after the Black Death, the church fell out of regular use, and its roof collapsed in the 18th century. Is the church a protected building? Yes. The site is a scheduled monument and the church is Grade II* listed.

St Rule's Church and St Rule's Tower

St. Andrews

St Rule's Church and St Rule's Tower in St Andrews, Fife, is a Romanesque tower and church remnant standing within the old cathedral precinct. It is among the oldest structures in town, and its summit gives the best panorama over the bay and the medieval streets. What is St Rule's Tower? St Rule's Church dates to around 1130 and was the first place of worship in Scotland built for Augustinian canons, who had just settled here. Its slender square tower stands roughly 33 m (108 ft) tall and likely helped pilgrims find their way to the shrine of St Andrew. It is about four decades older than the cathedral itself. The tower and parts of the church walls survive. The site is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland and is also recorded in Canmore, the national heritage database. What will you see? The Romanesque tower: plain, sturdy proportions, visible from many corners of town. The cathedral ruins next door. Once Scotland's largest church, now a sprawling ruin. Because the cathedral's own central tower is lost, St Rule's is the tallest standing structure on the site. The graveyard and the precinct wall around the complex. The view from the top: rooftops, the sea, the coastline and the ruins below. What is the climb like? You enter through a door in the west face. The route has about 156 steps: first a very tight metal spiral, then stairs built into the wall thickness, and finally a narrow stone spiral. Passing other visitors on the stairs can be awkward, so it is a poor choice if you are claustrophobic or have limited mobility. Access changes over time. Visitor guides describe entry as part of the cathedral ticket at times, and at others only at the end of a free guided tour. Parts of the site, including the museum, have been closed for conservation work. Check Historic Environment Scotland's website or call St Andrews Castle before you go. How do you get there? St Andrews sits on the east coast of Fife, about 80 km north of Edinburgh. Take a bus or drive from Edinburgh, or go by train to Leuchars and continue by bus. The precinct lies at the eastern edge of the old town, close to the sea, a few minutes on foot from the main streets. When should you visit? Pick a clear day, when the view from the top is sharp. Early morning or late afternoon is quieter, which helps on such narrow stairs. Allow about an hour for the whole precinct, a little longer if you climb. Frequently asked questions How tall is St Rule's Tower? About 33 m (108 ft). How many steps are there? Around 156, mostly in tight spiral stairways of metal and stone. Is St Rule's Tower the same as St Andrews Cathedral? No. The tower belongs to the cathedral precinct but was built earlier, as part of the canons' church. St Andrews Castle is a separate site elsewhere in town. Can you always climb the tower? Not always. Rules depend on the season and on conservation work, so check current details with the site's operator, Historic Environment Scotland.

St. Augustine's Abbey, Chilworth

Chilworth

St. Augustine's Abbey in Chilworth is a working Benedictine monastery on a hillside in Surrey, a short drive from Guildford. The Victorian Gothic complex is a Grade II listed building, and its abbey church welcomes visitors inside rather than only offering a view from the lane. What is this place? Architect Frederick Walters designed the building, and it was consecrated in 1892. It began as a Franciscan friary and the order's novitiate in Britain, paid for with a bequest from Mary Anne Alliott, aunt of the friary's founder, Fr Arthur Wells. Historic England also records it as Chilworth Friary, Chilworth Abbey and Greyfriars Monastery. The Franciscans left around 2011. The site was bought by the Benedictine monks of St Augustine's Abbey, Ramsgate, in Kent, whose old home was closing. The community lives here today, and the abbey's name carries over from Ramsgate. What will you see? The abbey church is the main draw. The Gothic Revival building is an early work by Walters, who went on to design more than fifty Catholic churches. It remains a place of worship, so expect quiet and modest dress. The monks pray the Divine Office and celebrate Mass daily, often with Gregorian chant, and anyone may join. A monastic guest house offers quiet stays for people wanting a retreat, run on a donation basis. When and how to visit According to the National Churches Trust, the church is open daily from roughly 6am to 9pm throughout the year. Come between services for a calm look at the architecture, or time your visit for a service if you want to hear the chant. The surrounding Surrey Hills are good for a walk. Getting there: Chilworth lies about 3 miles south-east of Guildford. You can drive, or take the train to Chilworth station on the Guildford to Redhill line and walk uphill for the final stretch. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No charge applies to enter the church. The guest house works on donations. Was it a Franciscan friary? Yes, from 1892 until about 2011. Benedictine monks live here now. Can I attend a service? Yes. Mass and the daily prayers are open to the public, often sung in Gregorian chant. Is the building listed? Yes. It was listed Grade II on the National Heritage List for England in 1986.

Byland Abbey

York

Byland Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery near the village of Coxwold, about 17 km from York in North Yorkshire. It sits inside the North York Moors National Park and is looked after by English Heritage. Visitors come mainly for what remains of the church's west front, with its large rose window. What is Byland Abbey and how did it begin? The community was founded in 1135 as a house of the Savigniac order and joined the Cistercians in 1147. The monks moved several times before settling in 1177 on the site where the ruins stand today. Building work began around the middle of the 12th century. The abbey was never substantially rebuilt afterwards, so its layout is regarded as an unusually complete example of late 12th-century Cistercian planning. A Scottish army sacked the abbey in 1322 after the Battle of Shaws Moor. It was dissolved in 1538 under Henry VIII and gradually fell into ruin. What can you see at Byland Abbey? The west front and rose window – the surviving section of the church facade is the abbey's best-known sight. Conservation work in October 2017 repaired water damage and repointed the masonry, including around the rose window. Church and cloister outlines – low walls show how the nave, cloister and monks' ranges were arranged. Water-management earthworks – the protected area also takes in fishponds, ditches, enclosures and former quarries linked to the monastery's economy. The Abbey Gatehouse – the former abbey gate stands beside the ruins and is a separate Grade II listed building. How is the site protected? Historic England lists the abbey ruins at Grade I (list entry 1315790, first listed in 1955). A separate Scheduled Monument entry (1013403, designated 1992) covers the wider monastic precinct and its earthworks. How do you get there? The ruins lie north of York, close to Coxwold, at the edge of the Vale of York below the Hambleton Hills. The distance from York is about 17 km, and driving is the easiest option. Public transport in this part of the Moors is limited, so check current services before you travel. When should you visit? The site is outdoors, so a dry day between spring and early autumn works best. Opening hours and prices change by season, so confirm them on the English Heritage website. Allow roughly an hour, and consider combining the visit with other stops in the North York Moors. Frequently asked questions Is Byland Abbey in York? No. It is a separate place in North Yorkshire, about 17 km from the city, near Coxwold. Who looks after the ruins? English Heritage. The area is a Scheduled Monument, and the abbey church ruins are listed Grade I. What is Byland Abbey best known for? The surviving west front with its rose window, and the remarkably complete layout of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Is Byland Abbey the same as Ampleforth Abbey? No. Ampleforth is a working Benedictine abbey in a different village, while Byland is a medieval Cistercian ruin.

St. Hugh's Charterhouse, Parkminster

Horsham

St Hugh's Charterhouse at Parkminster is a working Carthusian monastery near the village of Cowfold in West Sussex, roughly 10 km from Horsham. It is the only Carthusian house in Britain founded since the Reformation and among the largest Charterhouses in Europe. The community keeps strict enclosure, so this is a place to understand from the outside and through its history, not one to tour. Can you visit Parkminster Charterhouse? No. The monks live in almost complete seclusion and the grounds are closed to visitors. There are no tickets or guided tours. You can glimpse the buildings and towers from public roads around Cowfold, but you cannot go beyond the walls. For current notices, such as services open to the faithful, check the community's site, parkminster.org.uk. How did the monastery come about? The community dates from 1873, when French Carthusians leaving France after the expulsion of religious orders settled here. Their mother house is La Grande Chartreuse. The monastery stands on the site of a former farm, Picknoll Farm. French architect Clovis Normand, recorded in the heritage listing as "Norman of Calais", drew up the design, and building work continued until 1883. Numbers have shifted over time, with around 30 monks in 1883 and 26 in January 2017. What makes the architecture notable? The complex is French Gothic Revival. According to its National Heritage List for England entry, the plan includes an entrance courtyard, two small inner courtyards and a large cloistered court with an orchard at its centre. Descriptions rank the cloister among the longest in Europe. The church's west front has flanking spires and a Romanesque-style doorway. The monastery has been Grade II* listed since 4 September 1980, the middle of England's three listing grades and reserved for particularly important buildings. How do the Carthusians live? Carthusians follow a contemplative life of silence. Each monk lives in his own cell and eats most meals alone, gathering to dine together on Sundays. Prayer and manual work fill the day. That rule is why the monastery cannot admit sightseers. Getting there and what to bear in mind The Charterhouse lies off minor roads south of Cowfold, with Horsham the nearest larger town. A car is the easiest way to reach it. Remember that this is private monastic land: keep quiet, stay off the property and leave drones at home. The area combines well with a walk through the fields and woods of the Sussex Weald. Frequently asked questions Is Parkminster open to the public? No. Strict enclosure applies and there is no access to the monastery grounds. Where can you see the Charterhouse from? From public roads near Cowfold. Views are limited because the buildings stand on private land. When was the monastery founded? The community was founded in 1873 and the main building work was finished in 1883. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed on the National Heritage List for England.

Alton Abbey

East Hampshire

Alton Abbey is a former Anglican Benedictine monastery in the village of Beech, Hampshire, a few miles from the market town of Alton in the East Hampshire district. The early twentieth-century complex sits in rolling countryside close to King's Hill, one of the highest points in the county. What is Alton Abbey and how did it begin? The community was founded in 1884 by the Revd Charles Plomer Hopkins as the Society of Saint Paul. Its first task was to look after destitute merchant seamen and their chaplains, with bases in Rangoon and Calcutta. In 1895 it acquired the Beech site, which became a quieter home for elderly and sick sailors. Another charity took over the seafarers' work in 1989, and in the early 1980s the brothers had adopted the Rule of St Benedict; sources disagree on whether that happened in 1981 or 1982. What is there to see? The centrepiece is the abbey church of Our Lady and Saint John, built between 1901 and 1907 to a design by John Cyril Hawes. Sir Charles Nicholson designed the monastic buildings, drawing on Tintern Abbey as a model. The monks themselves did much of the building work, using local flint. A gatehouse from 1901 stands on the grounds. Can you visit Alton Abbey? Not at present. The community, which had dwindled in recent years, has left the site and the abbey no longer receives guests. In the past it ran retreats and courses open to the public, including icon painting. The owner, the charity Order of St Benedict at Alton Abbey, has put the property up for sale. The grounds are private, so check the current situation before you plan a trip. How do you get there? The abbey lies off Abbey Road, roughly midway between the villages of Beech and Medstead. Driving from Alton is the easiest option, and Alton has a railway station on the line from London Waterloo. Country lanes and footpaths around East Hampshire make a walk in the area worthwhile even with the gates closed. Which Alton is it? The name is easily confused with other places called Alton, such as the one in Staffordshire. This abbey is in Hampshire, in the village of Beech, not in the centre of the town of Alton. Frequently asked questions Who founded Alton Abbey? The Revd Charles Plomer Hopkins, in 1884, as a society to help seafarers. When was the abbey church built? Between 1901 and 1907, to a design by John Cyril Hawes. Can I go inside the church? The abbey is closed to visitors and the grounds are private, so check for current information before travelling. Where exactly is it? In Beech, off Abbey Road, near Alton in Hampshire.

Prinknash Abbey

Stroud

Prinknash Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery beside the village of Cranham, close to Stroud in Gloucestershire. It sits in the Vale of Gloucester on the western edge of the Cotswolds, surrounded by the woods and pastures of Prinknash Park. What is Prinknash Abbey? It is a Roman Catholic community in the Diocese of Clifton, part of the English Province of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation within the wider Benedictine Confederation. The monks follow a contemplative life. Numbers are small today, around eight, compared with roughly eighty in the past. The abbey is known for blending resins and fragrance oils into church incense. How old is the site? The oldest building is St Peter's Grange, listed at Grade I together with its gateways and courtyard walls. Most of the present house dates from about 1520, in the time of William Parker, the last Abbot of Gloucester. After 1541 it belonged to the Crown and served as a hunting lodge for Henry VIII. Benedictines arrived from Caldey Island in 1928, and the community was raised to abbey status in 1937. A larger modern monastery was built nearby in the twentieth century; this newer complex is not a listed building. What can you see and do? Visitors can follow designated footpaths across the estate, with views over the Severn valley. The chapel is open for quiet prayer when the community allows. The Monastery Shop sells items linked to the monks' work, including incense, and the neighbouring café serves Fairtrade coffee, breakfasts and light lunches. How do you plan a visit? Drive from Stroud or Gloucester; guest parking is free. The shop and café are wheelchair accessible. According to the abbey, the café is open daily from 10am to 4pm, but opening times and access to the chapel and grounds can change, so check prinknashabbey.org before you set off. This is still a place of prayer, so keep voices low and respect areas reserved for the community. When is the best time to go? Spring and early autumn suit the wooded Cotswold walks best. On a clear day, allow a few hours for a stroll followed by a break in the café. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside the abbey? The grounds, shop and café are open to guests, and the chapel is often open for quiet prayer. The monastic enclosure where the monks live is not open to visitors. Is there an entrance fee? Guest parking is free and walking the marked paths needs no ticket. Check the abbey website for current arrangements. Is there a café and shop? Yes. The Monastery Shop & Café is on site and accessible for wheelchair users. What do the monks produce? Prinknash is best known for incense, made from a blend of resins and fragrance oils and supplied to churches.

Ampleforth Abbey

Ampleforth

Ampleforth Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery near the village of Ampleforth in North Yorkshire, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It sits about a mile east of the village and belongs to the English Benedictine Congregation. Ampleforth College, the monks' school, stands beside it. For visitors, the main draw is the abbey church, which is open to everyone every day, free of charge. What is the story behind the abbey? The community traces its line back to the monks of medieval Westminster Abbey. That thread survived the Reformation through Sigebert Buckley, the last living Westminster monk, who passed it on. As of 2024 the monastery has 41 monks. Cardinal Basil Hume, later Archbishop of Westminster, served his novitiate here. What will you see? The highlight is the abbey church by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect behind Battersea Power Station and the classic red telephone box. It was built in two stages. The western end, with the high altar, dates from 1922 to 1924. The second stage added the central tower, transepts and a new nave between 1958 and 1961, finished after Scott died in 1960. Historic England lists the church at Grade I, the top category. It was upgraded in 2016, together with St Charles Borromeo in Hull. The listing covers the church alone; the attached monastery and school buildings are not part of it. Older publications and some websites still show Grade II, but those predate the change. Alban Roe House on the grounds holds a visitor centre, tea room and shop. The valley around the abbey suits easy walks and cycling. How should you visit, and when? The abbey church is open seven days a week all year. Visitors can join the daily prayer and Mass or simply sit in quiet. There is no entry charge to the site. This is a living monastery, so keep voices low during services and take photographs in a way that does not disturb people praying. Visitor centre and tea room hours change with the season. In spring and summer it generally opens daily from 10am to 5pm; in autumn and winter it opens fewer days and shorter hours. Check the abbey website for current times before you set off. Can you stay overnight? Yes. The abbey has more than 45 places for guests in single and double rooms. Many guided retreats are also open to non-residents, so you can come for a single day. Book through the hospitality team at [email protected] or on 01439 766087. Reception is on 01439 766099. How do you get there? From London, take a train from King's Cross to York, then the Transdev 31X bus to Ampleforth. Coach groups should contact the abbey in advance. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? No. Entry to the grounds and the church is free. Who designed the church? Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The western part was built in 1922-24, and the rest in 1958-61 after his death. Can I attend a service? Yes. Guests are welcome at the daily prayer and Mass with no obligation. Is this the same as Byland Abbey? No. Byland Abbey is a separate ruined medieval Cistercian site nearby. Ampleforth is an active monastery with a twentieth-century church.

Oronsay Priory

Oronsay Priory is a ruined medieval monastery on the island of Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The island lies beside Colonsay and is joined to it by a sandy channel called The Strand, which can only be crossed on foot around low tide. The site is a scheduled monument looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. What is Oronsay Priory? The priory was founded in the 14th century as a community of Augustinian canons regular. Its patron was John I, Lord of the Isles, and sources place the foundation between 1325 and 1353. It was dedicated to St Columba. Few records survive, so much of its story remains patchy. Around 1500 the buildings were restored, including the cloister. What can you see there? Church and cloister ruins - walls and parts of the arcading standing among the farmland. Oronsay Cross - a tall, richly carved cross beside the west end of the church. It comes from a school of carvers linked with Iona and was commissioned by Malcolm MacDuffie. Grave slabs - carved stones and effigies, most dated 1500-1560, including two fine figures of MacDuffie chiefs. They are displayed in the former prior's house. Many slabs were bought in 1899 by the national museum in Edinburgh. A workshop on Oronsay produced carved slabs and crosses until about 1500, which makes the site important for the story of West Highland sculpture. How do you get to Oronsay? First reach Colonsay by ferry (from Oban, and in season from Kennacraig). From Colonsay you walk across The Strand, a flat of sand and mud that almost dries out at low tide. From the crossing to the priory it is about 2.5 miles (4 km) on foot, through the farm. Timing depends on the tide, so check local tide tables, for example at the hotel or post office on Colonsay. Even at low water, pools of a few centimetres, sometimes up to 10 cm, remain, so wear footwear that can get wet. When should you go? Summer is easiest, with regular ferries and long days. Plan to cross within roughly 90 minutes either side of low tide and leave enough time to return before the water comes back. The island is privately owned and farmed, with management involving the RSPB, so keep to the tracks and avoid disturbing nesting birds. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? The National Churches Trust lists the site as always accessible. The monument is protected by Historic Environment Scotland as SM287. Can you walk from Colonsay? Yes, but only around low tide across The Strand. Check tide times before you set out. How long is the walk? About 2.5 miles one way from the crossing to the priory. With the visit, allow several hours. Who founded the priory? John I, Lord of the Isles, in the 14th century, as an Augustinian community.

Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

London

Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre (Tyburn Convent) in London is a Benedictine convent at 8 Hyde Park Place, a short walk from Marble Arch. The nuns, widely known as the Tyburn Nuns, keep up perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and look after a shrine to the Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation. It is one of the quietest corners of central London. What is this place, and why "Tyburn"? The congregation began in Paris, and its name refers to Montmartre. After French legislation of 1901 hit religious orders, the sisters had to find a new mother house. They moved to London in 1903 and went on to found convents in nine other countries, though the London house remains the best known. Tyburn was the city's historic place of public execution, the Tyburn Tree, which stood near today's Marble Arch. Many Catholics were put to death there during the Reformation, and the convent exists to remember them. What will you see? The heart of the visit is the Martyrs' Shrine and crypt, which hold relics and mementos connected with the executed Catholics. The convent chapel was built between 1958 and 1962 by Francis George Broadbent and Partners, based on designs by H. S. Goodhart-Rendel. It is not a statutorily listed building. The sisters live in enclosure and pray around the clock, so the atmosphere is hushed. Can you visit, and when? The chapel is a place of worship, so dress and behave as you would in any church. Mass is at 7.30 am on weekdays and 9.00 am at weekends, with Benediction at 3.30 pm on Sundays and solemnities. The nuns' living quarters are private and not part of any visit. Guided crypt tours used to be the main draw, but the convent's official website states that the Crypt of the Martyrs is closed to tours from 22 June 2026 until further notice because of renovation work, with reopening expected in mid-2027. Check tyburnconvent.org.uk or call +44 20 7723 7262 before you go. How do you get there? The nearest Underground station is Marble Arch on the Central line, a few minutes on foot. Hyde Park is next door, so the visit pairs easily with a walk in the park or a stroll along Oxford Street. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? Entry to the chapel is normally free, and the sisters welcome voluntary donations. Check the convent website for the terms of any crypt visit. Can I see the crypt now? No. The official site says the crypt is closed to tours until around mid-2027 while the sanctuary is renovated. Is the convent a listed building? The 1958-62 chapel is not statutorily listed, but the Twentieth Century Society records it as a notable 20th-century church. How long should I allow? Half an hour to 45 minutes is enough for a quiet visit to the chapel. Add an hour or so if you combine it with Marble Arch and Hyde Park.

Burnham Abbey

Burnham

Burnham Abbey is a medieval former nunnery near Burnham in Buckinghamshire, west of London and a few miles from Slough and Maidenhead. The estate sits on Lake End Road in Taplow. It is one of the few surviving pieces of a medieval women's religious house in the area and holds the highest grade of listing in England. What is the abbey's history? Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall and brother of Henry III, founded the house in 1266. Dedicated to St Mary, it was home to Augustinian canonesses, about twenty at the start. The community never became wealthy, and by the time it was suppressed in 1539 only ten nuns remained. After the Dissolution the site passed into private hands and served over the centuries as a manor house and later a farm. Restoration took place between 1913 and 1915, and in 1916 the Society of the Precious Blood, an Anglican community of Augustinian sisters, bought the property. The sisters lived here for almost a century. What survives of the medieval buildings? The chapter house and sacristy remain from the original nunnery, along with parts of the frater (refectory) and infirmary. The main building is Grade I listed on the National Heritage List for England (listed 1955, amended 1985). An 18th-century timber-framed barn and surrounding walls are protected separately at Grade II. What visitors see is chiefly a group of conventual buildings set among gardens and a pond. Can you visit Burnham Abbey? This is not a ticketed attraction with set opening hours. The estate is private and access has always been limited: for years it functioned as a retreat house and guest accommodation for the community rather than a tourist site. In July 2024 the press reported that the last sisters had left and that the whole property was on the market at a guide price of around £3.5 million. Check the current ownership and access arrangements before travelling, and do not enter the grounds without an invitation. How do you get there? Burnham station is on the Elizabeth line, about half an hour from central London, with regular services from Paddington and Reading. The abbey lies on a quiet lane off the main road, so the last stretch is easiest by taxi or car. Taplow station is a similar distance away. Burnham Beeches, an ancient woodland nature reserve, is nearby and combines well with a day out. Frequently asked questions Is Burnham Abbey open to tourists? There are no regular tours. It is private land with restricted access, so confirm with the current owner whether any visits are possible. Who founded the abbey? Richard, Earl of Cornwall, in 1266, as a house of Augustinian canonesses. Do sisters still live there? In 2024 the last Anglican sisters of the Society of the Precious Blood moved out and the property was put up for sale. What heritage protection does it have? The main complex is Grade I listed, the highest category on the National Heritage List for England.

Grey Abbey

Ards and North Down District Council

Grey Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery on the edge of the village of Greyabbey, on the Ards Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland (Ards and North Down council area). It stands close to the shore of Strangford Lough and is among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in Ulster. What is the history of Grey Abbey? The abbey was founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of the Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy, who had conquered eastern Ulster. Its first monks came from Holm Cultram in Cumbria, and the community was originally known as the Abbey of St Mary of "Jugum Dei". The name Grey Abbey caught on later, a reference to the colour of Cistercian habits. The monastery was dissolved in 1541. In the early 1600s the land passed to Sir Hugh Montgomery, a Scottish settler. The nave of the old church then served as the parish church until the late 18th century, which helped preserve much of the stonework. What can you see at the site? Standing walls of the church survive, with tall pointed lancet windows in the early Gothic manner, a carved west doorway, and the footprints of the monastic buildings around the former cloister. Together with nearby Inch Abbey, Grey Abbey is regarded as the finest example of Anglo-Norman Cistercian architecture in Ulster. Next to the ruins you will find a physic garden laid out on medieval lines, planted with the herbs monks used as remedies. The garden and guided tours are run by volunteers from the Friends of the Abbey. Who looks after the monument? The ruins are a state care monument managed by Northern Ireland's Department for Communities. The grounds are generally open to visit free of charge, but opening hours and the availability of the visitor centre change, so check current details with Visit Ards and North Down before you set out. How do you get to Grey Abbey? Greyabbey village lies on the A20 along the eastern shore of Strangford Lough, roughly 30 km south-east of Belfast. A car is the easiest option, and the drive from Belfast takes about 40 minutes. The village sits on the scenic route around the Ards Peninsula, so the abbey fits neatly into a day trip around the area. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer are best, when the physic garden is in full growth and the days are long. Guided walks around the ruins and garden run in season, and the site is sometimes opened for European Heritage Open Days in September. Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee for Grey Abbey? Access to the ruins is normally free. Only special guided experiences may carry a ticket price. How long should I allow for a visit? An hour to an hour and a half covers the ruins and the herb garden. Add time if you want to browse the village's antique shops and cafes, and half a day is comfortable. Is Grey Abbey the same as Inch Abbey? No. Inch Abbey is a separate Cistercian ruin near Downpatrick, also in County Down. Both date from the Anglo-Norman period, but they are two different sites. Who founded the abbey? Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, in 1193.

St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough

Farnborough

St Michael's Abbey in Farnborough is a working Benedictine monastery in Hampshire, southern England, and the burial place of the Bonaparte imperial family on British soil. Its crypt holds Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie and their son, the Prince Imperial. The abbey church is listed Grade I on the National Heritage List for England. Why are the Bonapartes buried in Farnborough? When the Second French Empire collapsed in 1870, Napoleon III went into exile in England, where he died three years later. The couple's only son was killed in 1879 while serving with British forces in the Zulu War. Eugénie, who stayed in England, decided to build a church and family tomb at Farnborough. The church went up in 1886-87 to designs by the French architect G. H. A. Destailleur, and monastic buildings were added so that a community of monks could look after the tombs. That community began as Premonstratensian canons, later became Benedictine, and gained abbey status in 1903. What will you see? The church is built in a late French Gothic style: a single-aisle nave with no side aisles, short transepts, an apsidal east end and an octagonal tower over the crossing. The adjoining monastic buildings are listed Grade II. The highlight is the Imperial Crypt, where the sarcophagi of Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial stand, along with Eugénie's tomb. The abbey is also known for its liturgy, its pipe organ, and its liturgical printing and publishing. The community belongs to the English Province of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. The church also houses a pontifically crowned image of Saint Joseph. How can you visit? The crypt can be seen on a guided tour. According to the abbey's website, a tour of the church and Imperial Crypt starts every Saturday at 3 pm, lasts about an hour and ends in the monastery shop. No booking is needed, and the gates open automatically at 2.45 pm. A minimum donation of 7 pounds per person is requested, and children go free. Other times, including group visits, are arranged with the abbey by phone (01252 546105, weekdays 10 am to 4 pm). The address is 280 Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 7NQ. Check with the abbey before travelling, as times can change and extra tours are sometimes offered during the Rushmoor Heritage Festival. When should you go? Saturday afternoon is the safest bet, because that is when the regular guided tour runs. This is a place of prayer, so keep your voice low and dress respectfully. Allow about an hour for the tour, plus a little time for the shop. Frequently asked questions Can I see Napoleon III's tomb? Yes. The sarcophagi of Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial are in the Imperial Crypt, which you can enter on the guided tour. Do I need to book? Not for the Saturday 3 pm tour. For any other time, arrange a visit with the abbey in advance. How much does it cost? The abbey asks for a minimum donation of 7 pounds per person. Children are free. Is the abbey a listed building? Yes. The abbey church is Grade I listed and the monastic buildings are Grade II listed.

Community of St Mary the Virgin

Vale of White Horse

Community of St Mary the Virgin is an Anglican convent in Wantage, Oxfordshire, in the Vale of White Horse district. The convent is still home to a working community of sisters, and part of the site welcomes visitors on retreat. Who are the sisters? Known as CSMV, the community was established in 1848 by William John Butler, then vicar of Wantage. It ranks among the oldest religious orders still active in the Church of England. Over the decades the sisters have focused on spiritual direction, leading retreats and offering hospitality. What is there to see? The convent complex, St Mary's Convent, includes several buildings on the National Heritage List for England: St Mary Magdalene's Chapel, designed by G. E. Street and built in the late 1850s, listed Grade II*, one of the higher levels of protection; the main convent building, a Gothic Revival range completed in 1855-6 and later extended, listed Grade II; the gateway and flanking walls, another Street design, Grade II; White Lodge, a lodge beside the convent, Grade II*. A newer retreat wing, blessed in 2019, sits alongside these older buildings. Can visitors enter the chapel? Guests can join the sisters for the Daily Office and Eucharist in St Mary Magdalene's Chapel. Those staying on retreat can also use a smaller chapel for silent prayer. Services run daily except Mondays, though times change, so confirm them with the community before you go. This is a place of worship rather than a sightseeing stop: keep quiet and avoid photography during services. Can you stay overnight? Yes. The retreat wing has 21 bedrooms, 14 of them en suite, including two adapted for guests with disabilities. Options include individual retreats, quiet days, conducted retreats and residential stays for organised groups. There is an annual retreat for beginners, plus vocation weekends for anyone considering life in a community. Students receive a discount. How do you get there? Wantage lies in southern Oxfordshire, about 25 km south-west of Oxford. The easiest way is by car, or by bus from Oxford or Didcot. The town has no railway station; the nearest is Didcot Parkway. The convent stands in the Belmont area of Wantage. Frequently asked questions When was the community founded? In 1848, on the initiative of the vicar of Wantage, William John Butler. Is it a working convent? Yes. The sisters live there permanently, so arrange any visit in advance. Is the chapel a protected building? Yes. St Mary Magdalene's Chapel is listed Grade II*. Do I have to be Anglican to go on retreat? Guests come from many backgrounds. Check the community's website for current details and bookings.

Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw

Garvald

Sancta Maria Abbey (Nunraw Abbey) near Garvald is a working Trappist monastery in East Lothian, about 30 km east of Edinburgh. It was the first Cistercian house founded in Scotland since the Reformation of 1560 and remains one of the few active Cistercian monasteries in Britain. How did Nunraw Abbey begin? In 1946 a group of monks from Roscrea in Ireland took over the Nunraw estate in the Lammermuir foothills. Seven founding monks celebrated their first Mass there that February. The land already had a long past: local histories say nuns from Haddington founded a convent here around the 12th century, and in 1548 the Scottish Parliament met at the house to agree that the young Mary, Queen of Scots, should be sent to France. The community first lived in the old manor while building a new monastery beside it. Architect Peter Whiston drew up the plans in 1952, the monks moved into the new buildings in 1969, and finishing work went on for years afterwards. The austere postwar complex is one of the more distinctive pieces of modern religious architecture in Scotland. What can you see at Nunraw? The main draw is the monastery itself, set against the Lammermuir Hills, and the abbey church where the monks sing the daily offices. Visitors can usually join prayers in the area open to the public. The enclosure is off limits: this is a home for the monks, not a museum. The old estate has its own entries in the Historic Environment Scotland register. Nunraw House (Category A) grew around a 15th-century tower house, extended in 1863-4 in Scots baronial style by Brown and Wardrop. The dovecot is also Category A, and the north lodge and gate are Category B. The house has since been sold into private hands and has reverted to its older name, Nunraw Tower, so view it from the road only. Can you stay at the abbey? The monastery has traditionally welcomed guests for short retreats and quiet. Availability and house rules change, so contact the abbey directly before travelling (details at nunraw.org.uk and the order's site, ocso.org). The same goes for service times and any shop selling monastery products. How do you get to Nunraw? The abbey lies near Garvald village, a short drive from Haddington. The easiest route is by car from Edinburgh along the A1 to Haddington, then on narrow country roads. Public transport only reaches Haddington, so you will need a taxi for the final stretch. Traffic is light and the drive crosses attractive upland scenery. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer offer green hills and dry roads. Winter is windy and often misty, which suits the contemplative setting. In summer the Lammermuir Festival has staged concerts in the area, including past performances at the abbey. Frequently asked questions Is Nunraw Abbey still active? Yes. A Trappist community lives here following the Rule of St Benedict, with a life of silence, prayer and work. Can I look around the monastery? The church and guest areas are open to visitors; the monastic enclosure is closed. Access to the old estate is limited because the house is privately owned. Can I stay overnight? The abbey has traditionally hosted retreat guests. Ask the community about current arrangements and free dates. How far is it from Edinburgh? About 30 km, or roughly 45 minutes by car.

Inch Abbey

Downpatrick

Inch Abbey in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, is the ruin of a Cistercian monastery standing on the north bank of the River Quoile, just outside the town in County Down. The surviving church and monastic buildings date mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the site is looked after by the Department for Communities as a state care monument. Why visit Inch Abbey? It is one of the better-preserved medieval monastic sites in Ulster, set on flat green ground beside the water. You can walk the whole ruin in about an hour, and the low walls, open skies and lack of crowds make it a pleasant stop for photographers and history fans alike. Building work from around 1200 brought some of Ireland's earliest Gothic architecture, which you can still spot in the tall pointed windows and arches of the chancel. What is the history of the abbey? A Celtic monastery already existed on this riverside island, then called Inis Cumhscraigh, by about AD 800, and Viking raids hit it around the turn of the 11th century. In about 1180 the Norman knight John de Courcy, conqueror of eastern Ulster, founded a Cistercian abbey here. Accounts describe it as penance for burning the nearby monastery at Erenagh; the monks from there were resettled at Inch, and the new community answered to Furness Abbey in Lancashire. The abbey was burned in 1404 and monastic life ended with the dissolution in 1541-42. The land then passed to the Perceval Maxwell family, and the site was abandoned for good in 1730 when a new parish church was built nearby. What will you see on site? Standing remains include the church with its chancel and transepts, foundations of the cloister buildings and low walls of former rooms. Information panels explain the monastery's layout and the daily life of the monks. Meadows stretch along the Quoile, and other Downpatrick attractions are a short drive away. How do you get there, and what does it cost? The abbey lies a few minutes' drive from Downpatrick centre, in the townland of Inch, with a car park at the entrance. Admission is free, but the Department for Communities notes that access can be restricted during conservation works, so check its website or call before travelling. The ground is gently undulating; away from the path between car park and ruins, wheelchair users may find it difficult. Frequently asked questions Is Inch Abbey free to enter? Yes. Access may occasionally be limited while works take place. How long should I allow for a visit? Around 45 minutes to an hour is usually enough, longer if you like to photograph or read every panel. Who founded the abbey? John de Courcy, the Norman conqueror of eastern Ulster, around 1180. He settled Cistercians from Erenagh here, under the authority of Furness Abbey. Can I walk there from Downpatrick? It sits on the edge of town, but driving is the easiest option because there is parking at the site.

St Mary's Convent

Vale of White Horse

St Mary's Convent in Wantage, Oxfordshire (Vale of White Horse district), is the home of the Community of St Mary the Virgin (CSMV), one of the oldest Anglican religious communities still active. Its buildings are protected on the National Heritage List for England, with the chapel in a higher grade than the rest. What is St Mary's Convent and how did it begin? The Community was founded in 1848 by William John Butler, then Vicar of Wantage. It grew out of the Oxford Movement and was among the first Anglican orders established in England after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Over the years the sisters ran schools and charitable work alongside a life of prayer from this site. What can you see here? The first convent building was designed by George Edmund Street and went up in 1855-56, followed by his Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in 1858-61. William Butterfield added a noviciate in 1878. Together they make a good example of Victorian Gothic Revival. The later chapel, built in 1887-89 to plans by John Loughborough Pearson, is the highlight. Its exterior draws on French Gothic, with a tall spire and a large five-light west window. Inside are a stone rib-vaulted roof, a carved wooden screen dated 1913, a rood, and a carved baldacchino on four columns at the east end. The stalls are by Pearson and Harry Hems of Exeter, and the angels above them come from the workshop of Josef Mayr of Oberammergau. The chapel was lengthened around 1900 with an ante-chapel, Lady Chapel and galleries, and Sir Ninian Comper rebuilt its east end in 1923, also making the east window glass. How is the site protected? Chapel: Grade II* (listed 3 December 1969, amended 2018). Main convent buildings: Grade II. White Lodge: Grade II*. Gateway and flanking walls on Challow Road: Grade II (listed 1985). The chapel is listed for its architecture and history, and for its group value with the Street and Butterfield buildings, gateway and walls. How do you get there? The convent is on Challow Road in Wantage (OX12 9DJ), in the Belmont area. Wantage lies in the Vale of White Horse and is roughly half an hour by car from Oxford. The nearest mainline station is Didcot Parkway, with onward bus or taxi. When to visit and can you go inside? This is a working religious house, not a ticketed museum with fixed opening hours. Check the community's website for service times and whether the chapel is open to visitors before you travel. The gateway and walls can be seen from Challow Road. Frequently asked questions Who founded the convent at Wantage? William John Butler, Vicar of Wantage, in 1848. Who designed the buildings? G. E. Street designed the first convent and original chapel, W. Butterfield added the noviciate, and J. L. Pearson designed the present chapel. Ninian Comper rebuilt its east end. Is St Mary's Convent a listed building? Yes. The chapel is Grade II*, and the main buildings and gateway are Grade II. Is this the same as St Mary's Convent High School in Hyderabad? No. The name is common. This page covers the Anglican convent in Wantage, England.

Newtownards Priory

Newtownards

Newtownards Priory is the surviving shell of a medieval Dominican friary in the middle of Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the only substantial Dominican ("Black Friars") ruin in the region, and it is now a state care monument looked after by the Department for Communities. What is the history of Newtownards Priory? The Savage family, Anglo-Norman lords in this part of Down, founded the house around 1244. Dominican friars lived and preached here for nearly three centuries. The community was dissolved in 1541 under Henry VIII, and in 1572 Sir Brian O'Neill's forces set the buildings on fire. Afterwards the church saw long secular use and several alterations. What can you see on site? The oldest fabric is the lower part of the nave and two blocked doorways in the south wall, which once opened into a cloister that no longer exists. The upper nave belongs to a 14th-century rebuild. The de Burgh family later added the western extension and the arcade of the north aisle. Because phases from different centuries stand side by side, the ruin reads like a short course in how a friary church grew. Visitors can usually follow self-guided information materials. How do you get there, and when can you visit? The Priory sits in the town centre off Court Street, a few minutes' walk from the bus station and the main square. Newtownards lies about 15 km east of Belfast on the shore of Strangford Lough, roughly 30 minutes by car or bus. Entry is free, but access varies. The Department lists visits by arrangement, and Discover Northern Ireland has mentioned conservation works. In 2026 the site opened on selected Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:30 as part of events marking a century of heritage protection in Northern Ireland. Phone +44 28 9082 3207 or email [email protected] before you travel. What else is nearby? Pair the visit with Movilla Abbey on Movilla Road, also in Newtownards. It is a far older site linked to St Finian in the 6th century, refounded as an Augustinian abbey in the 12th. Entry is free. The town also offers walking routes through its historic centre and easy access to the Strangford Lough shoreline. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission charge? Tourism listings give free entry. The Department notes that charges may apply in some cases, such as organised visits. Is the priory always open? No. It opens by arrangement or on set dates, so check by phone before you go. Who founded the priory? The Savage family, around 1244. The de Burgh family extended the building later. How long should I allow? The priory itself takes 20 to 30 minutes. With Movilla Abbey and a stroll through the centre, plan on about two hours.

Jervaulx Abbey

Jervaulx Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, beside the village of East Witton and about 14 miles (23 km) north-west of Ripon. Low stone walls rise from open lawns and wildflowers, and you explore at your own pace, with far fewer crowds than at the region's better-known abbeys. What is the abbey's story? The Cistercians first settled at Fors higher up the dale, then moved to this site in 1156 and dedicated the abbey to St Mary. It was a daughter house of Byland. The monks managed large estates across the valley, were known for breeding horses, and are credited with the early days of Wensleydale cheese. Henry VIII's Dissolution ended the community in 1537, and the church was blown up to stop anyone rebuilding it. What can you see? Little of the church stands above ankle height, yet the layout of the buildings around the cloister is easy to follow. Parts of the chapter house, the abbot's lodging and a water mill survive. The grounds also hold traces of the grand house built here after the Dissolution and structures from the Second World War. The site is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a protected monument, and its buildings are Grade I listed. J.M.W. Turner sketched the abbey, and a stroll through the grassy ruins shows why artists were drawn here. How do you get there? The abbey lies on the A6108 between Masham and Leyburn. Masham is a few miles away by road, and Middleham is a similar distance. Visitors can park on site. Public transport is limited, so a car or bicycle is the practical choice. Is it privately owned? Yes. It is Yorkshire's only major abbey still held by a private family, who welcome visitors. Opening hours and entry arrangements are set by the owners, so check the abbey's own website before you travel. A tearoom next to the ruins serves home baking, although it may trade only on certain days. When should you visit? Spring and summer suit best, with dry grass and long days. Early morning and late afternoon light is the best for photographing the stone arches. After rain the ground can be muddy, so wear sturdy shoes. An hour covers the ruins, and two hours leaves time for tea and a walk. What else is nearby? Middleham Castle, the market town of Masham with its brewery, and other Yorkshire Cistercian ruins such as Fountains and Byland are all within easy reach. Together they make a good day circuit through the Dales. Frequently asked questions Is Jervaulx Abbey open all year? Yes, it welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the owners set the terms of entry. Check current details before you go. When was the abbey dissolved? In 1537, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The monks had lived at this site since 1156. Is there a cafe? Yes, a tearoom operates beside the ruins, though its opening days can be limited. Did Wensleydale cheese start here? Tradition ties the cheese's origins to the Cistercian monks of Jervaulx, who farmed the dale.

St Clare's Abbey Chapel

Darlington

St Clare's Abbey Chapel in Darlington, County Durham, is a Victorian convent chapel built in 1856–57 for the Poor Clares. Since 2009 it has held Grade II* listed status, placing it among the most significant historic buildings in England. What is this chapel? The architects were Joseph Aloysius Hansom and his brother Charles. Joseph Hansom was a prominent Catholic church architect and a follower of A. W. N. Pugin. The Poor Clare nuns settled in Darlington in the mid-1850s on land bought from their Carmelite neighbours. Their community had fled the French Revolution and returned to England in 1795, living at Haggerston Castle in Northumberland and then Scorton Hall in Yorkshire before reaching Darlington. In 2007, with fewer sisters remaining, the community left Darlington and joined the convent at Much Birch in Herefordshire. What will you see? The chapel is built of red brick with sandstone dressings under a Welsh slate roof. It has a rectangular plan of six bays, with a public chapel projecting on the north side and a vestry on the south. The east end is dominated by a large pointed window with geometric tracery. Highlights inside include: A carved stone high altar with a central Crucifixion panel and marble columns either side. A sculpted reredos with biblical scenes and figure niches, installed in 1860. Stained glass in the sanctuary window showing the Virgin Mary, St Joseph, six saints and scenes from scripture. A stone choir screen (jubé) with a double arcade and carved angels. It is a rarity, separating the sanctuary from the nuns' choir. An open timber roof on stone corbels, with a red and gold painted ceiling repainted in 1987. A Harrison and Harrison organ in the west gallery. Can you go inside? The sources we have give no opening hours or admission rules. The Poor Clares no longer live here, and the chapel sits within the former abbey grounds in Hummersknott, alongside the separately listed lodge, walls and garden buildings. Treat it as a site with restricted access. Check current arrangements with the site's present custodian or Darlington's visitor information before travelling. How do you get there? The chapel is in Hummersknott, on the south-western side of Darlington. Darlington station is on the East Coast Main Line, with direct trains from London, York and Newcastle. From the town centre, a local bus or taxi will take you to the area. Frequently asked questions What is the chapel's heritage status? It is Grade II* listed, with the listing dated 18 August 2009. The abbey's lodge, walls and ancillary garden buildings are listed separately at Grade II. Who designed it? Joseph Aloysius Hansom and Charles Hansom, in 1856–57. James Frith was the clerk of works. Do Poor Clares still live in Darlington? No. The community left in 2007 and moved to Much Birch, Herefordshire. What makes the chapel special? Its surviving stone choir screen, richly carved reredos and painted timber ceiling, all rare and well-preserved Victorian work.

Scalan

Chapeltown

Scalan is a historic hidden Catholic seminary in Glenlivet, near Chapeltown (Chapeltown of Glenlivet) in Moray, inside the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. For more than eighty years, priests were trained here while Catholicism was suppressed in Scotland. The surviving 18th-century building is a Category A listed monument. What was Scalan? Bishop James Gordon founded the seminary in 1716, and it ran until 1799, educating roughly one hundred priests. The site was chosen on purpose: a remote Highland glen offered cover from the authorities, and the school had to stay discreet. That is why it is known as the Hidden Seminary. The building that stands today dates from 1767 and was designed to pass as an ordinary farmhouse rather than a religious college. What can you see there? You will see the stone walls of the former seminary in open hill country, along with mill buildings that belonged to the farm. Works approved in 2019 covered restoring the mill buildings, bringing a timber waterwheel back into working order and laying new access paths; check the current state of the site with its custodians before you go. Historic Environment Scotland lists the building as LB8453: it was listed at Category B in 1972 and raised to Category A in 1987. The site is often described as partly ruined, so plan on viewing it mostly from outside. How do you get there, and can you go inside? Park at the Carrachs car park and walk about half a mile along a farm track. The track is rough and the site is not fully wheelchair accessible; there is one parking space on site for visitors with reduced mobility. The interiors are not open all year. Access is on selected dates: in 2025 a Doors Open Day ran on 13 September from 1pm to 4pm with no booking needed, and heritage ranger walks have also been held in the area. For next season's dates, contact the Scalan Association ([email protected]) or watch the Visit Cairngorms events calendar. What else is nearby? In Chapeltown stands the Catholic church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour with its chapel house and burial ground, also Category A listed (LB8470). The village grew up after Scalan closed in 1799, when Abbe Paul MacPherson founded it nearby. Glenlivet is also famous for its whisky, and the area makes a good base for walking. Frequently asked questions Is this the same as Chapeltown in South Yorkshire? No. The Chapeltown here is Chapeltown of Glenlivet in Moray, in the Scottish Highlands, not the town in England. Can you go inside the building? Not at any time. Interiors open on selected dates, such as open days. At other times you can view the site from outside. How long should you allow for a visit? Allow one to two hours, including the walk from the Carrachs car park and a look around the grounds. Why is it called the Hidden Seminary? Catholics were persecuted in 18th-century Scotland, so the school was set in a remote glen and built to look like a farm.

Monastery of The Holy Spirit

Sheffield

Monastery of the Holy Spirit is a former Carmelite monastery at Kirk Edge, High Bradfield, within the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. It is not the Orthodox monastery of the same name in Vilnius, nor the Trappist abbey in Georgia, USA. Known locally as Kirk Edge Convent, its brick buildings stand on the edge of the Peak District National Park and make a distinctive piece of Victorian institutional architecture. What is this place? The complex was built in 1871 as an orphanage and industrial school for boys and girls, run by the Sisters of Charity, and designed by the practice Hadfield & Son. After the orphanage era, discalced Carmelite nuns settled here and founded the monastery dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Diocese of Hallam lists the community as nine sisters. Why is it listed? When closure of the monastery looked likely, the Victorian Society asked for the buildings to be protected. They were listed at Grade II on the National Heritage List for England in 2025. Historic England then recorded the interiors: long first-floor corridors lined with cells, brick-vaulted basement stores and a larder, a refectory with a serving hatch, and a public chapel with a grille separating the nuns from visitors. Can you go inside? This was an enclosed monastery, not a museum, so there are no regular opening hours or tickets. Most of what is known about the interiors comes from Historic England's survey. Before visiting, check the current status and any access to the public chapel with the Diocese of Hallam. The exterior and setting can be seen from public roads. How do you get there? The monastery sits on Kirk Edge Road, roughly 10 km north-west of Sheffield city centre. Driving is the easiest option; the lanes are rural and narrow. The nearby village of High Bradfield has a church and pubs, a good stop after a walk. What else is nearby? High Bradfield, a hilltop village just inside the Peak District boundary with wide valley views. Walking routes around Bradfield and the Dale Dyke and Damflask reservoirs. The moorland hills of the north-eastern Peak District, suited to a full day out. Frequently asked questions Is this the same monastery as the one in Vilnius or Georgia? No. The name is generic; this is the Carmelite monastery at High Bradfield near Sheffield. Who designed the buildings? Hadfield & Son, in 1871, originally as an orphanage. What is its heritage status? Grade II listed, following a request by the Victorian Society. Is it open to tourists? It is an enclosed monastery. Check access to the public chapel before travelling; from outside you can view it from the road.