Ascot Priory
Anglican Communion·England·Church and spirituality centre·19th century
Ascot Priory, established in 1861 in Berkshire, England, was originally the mother house for the Society of the Most Holy Trinity, an Anglican Communion community of nuns. Founded by Lydia Sellon, it initially focused on ministering to the poor in Devonport before expanding and absorbing other communities. Today, the priory functions as a church and spirituality centre, offering retreat and conference facilities for Christian groups, though regular services were suspended in early 2022.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1861 as the mother house for the Society of the most Holy Trinity.
- ›The Society of the most Holy Trinity were also known as the 'Devonport Sisters'.
- ›It was the second sisterhood established within the Anglican Communion.
- ›The priory is situated on 40 acres of woodland and gardens.
- ›Currently operates as a church and spirituality centre, offering retreat facilities.
- ›Regular services were suspended from the start of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Retreat and Conference Facilities, Woodland and Gardens
Devonport Sisters
Lydia Sellon, Revd Paul Mclaren-Cook
- Established As the Society of the Most Holy Trinity In 1849.
- Absorbed London Communities In the 1850s.
- Services Suspended Due To Covid-19 Lockdown.
About Ascot Priory
Ascot Priory is a former priory located in Berkshire, England, with a history rooted in the Anglican Communion. Established in 1861, it served as the mother house for the Society of the Most Holy Trinity, a community of nuns dedicated to charitable works and spiritual life.
History and Purpose
The Society of the Most Holy Trinity was founded in 1849 by Lydia Sellon. Initially ministering to the poor in Devonport, the society became known colloquially as the 'Devonport Sisters'. The society experienced growth, absorbing other religious communities in London during the 1850s. The priory's aims were to further the religious and charitable purposes of the Church of England, particularly in accordance with Anglo-Catholic doctrines. The buildings were intended to facilitate retreats and conferences for church and Christian groups.
Current Status
Set within 40 acres of woodland and gardens, Ascot Priory now operates as a church and spirituality centre. It aims to provide a serene environment for spiritual renewal and encounter with God. While there is a small regular congregation and a Sunday Mass, daily services have been impacted. As of January 2022, regular services had been suspended since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, following the retirement of the Warden.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ascot Priory established?
Ascot Priory was established in 1861. It originated from the Society of the Most Holy Trinity, which was founded by Lydia Sellon in 1849.
What was the original purpose of Ascot Priory?
Originally, Ascot Priory served as the mother house for the Society of the Most Holy Trinity, a community of nuns dedicated to ministering to the poor, particularly in the seafaring community of Devonport. Their activities were aligned with the doctrines of the Anglo-Catholic movement within the Church of England.
What is Ascot Priory used for today?
Today, Ascot Priory functions as a church and spirituality centre. The buildings are available for church and Christian groups to use as a retreat house and conference centre, and the priory church serves as a focus for worship and prayer.
Is Ascot Priory still an active monastic community?
While it houses a spirituality centre and hosts retreats, the regular monastic community services were suspended from the start of the COVID-19 lockdown in early 2022 due to a vacant Wardenship. It is described as a place for spiritual renewal rather than a fully active monastic community in the traditional sense.
What are the grounds of Ascot Priory like?
Ascot Priory is set within 40 acres of woodland and gardens. These grounds are intended to provide a peaceful environment for retreat and spiritual renewal.
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