Mount St. Bernard Abbey
Mount St. Bernard Abbey is the only Trappist monastery in England, founded in 1835 near Coalville, Leicestershire. It holds the distinction of being the first permanent monastery established in England since the English Reformation. The abbey is renowned for brewing the sole Trappist beer in Britain and has a rich history of providing refuge and charity to the poor and distressed.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1835, it was the first permanent monastery in England since the Reformation.
- ›It is the only Trappist house in England.
- ›The monks brew the only Trappist beer in Britain.
- ›Designed by Augustus Pugin, the permanent monastery opened in 1844.
- ›The abbey has a history of offering significant charity and hospitality to the poor and hungry.
- ›It was granted the status of an abbey by Pope Pius IX in 1848.
Neo-Tudor, Lancet Gothic
Brewery Producing Trappist Beer, Calvary On Kite Hill, Roman Coin Hoard Discovery Site, Augustus Pugin Designed Buildings
Ambrose Lisle March Phillipps, Augustus Pugin, William Railton, John Talbot, 16th Earl of Shrewsbury, Pope Pius Ix, Dom Bernard Palmer, Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi, William Wordsworth, Florence Nightingale, John Henry Newman, Edward Burne-Jones, Charles Dickens, Alec Guinness, Ian Bannen, Justin Fashanu
- First Permanent Monastery Founded In England Since the Reformation
- Grant of Abbey Status By Pope Pius Ix
- Monks Providing Charity During the Great Famine
- Monks Providing Charity During the Leicestershire Coalfield Depression and the 1926 General Strike
- Conscription of Monks During World War I
- Reburial of Remains From Stratford Langthorne Abbey
About Mount St. Bernard Abbey
Mount St. Bernard Abbey is a significant Roman Catholic monastery located near Coalville in Leicestershire, England. It holds the historic distinction of being the first permanent monastery established in England since the English Reformation, founded in 1835. As the sole Trappist house in England, it is a vital center for this contemplative monastic order.
History and Significance
The abbey's origins are tied to the Cistercian and Trappist traditions, with its foundation directly stemming from the Abbey of Mount Melleray in Ireland. The land was acquired by Ambrose Lisle March Phillipps, a local landowner and Catholic convert, with the aim of reviving monastic life in the country. The initial settlement began in a derelict cottage on the purchased land.
The first monastery buildings, designed by William Railton, were temporary. A more ambitious, permanent complex was later designed by Augustus Pugin, a leading architect of the Gothic Revival. Pugin's design emphasized "solemnity and simplicity" in the "greatest severity of the lancet style." Although the church was consecrated in 1844, it remained unfinished for many decades.
Mount St. Bernard Abbey has a long-standing tradition of providing succor to the poor and needy. During periods of widespread hardship, such as the Great Famine of the 1840s and economic depressions in the local coalfield, the monks offered extensive charity, feeding and housing thousands. This commitment to hospitality has continued throughout its history.
Notable Features and Visitors
The abbey is recognized for brewing the only Trappist beer in Britain. A calvary on a prominent outcrop known as Kite Hill is accessible to the public via a footpath built by the monks.
Over the years, Mount St. Bernard Abbey has attracted numerous notable visitors, including writers like William Wordsworth and Charles Dickens (though his direct presence is debated, he sent representatives), and figures such as Florence Nightingale, John Henry Newman, and Edward Burne-Jones, who found inspiration in the monastic setting. Actors like Alec Guinness and Ian Bannen also made retreats there. The site also yielded a significant hoard of Roman coins, suggesting ancient habitation in the vicinity.
Current Status
Mount St. Bernard Abbey continues to operate as an active monastic community. The buildings, including the abbey church, have been listed for their architectural and historical importance. The abbey's role in offering refuge and a prayerful environment remains a core aspect of its identity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mount St. Bernard Abbey founded?
Mount St. Bernard Abbey was founded in 1835. This marked the re-establishment of permanent monastic life in England following the Reformation.
What is unique about Mount St. Bernard Abbey?
Mount St. Bernard Abbey is notable for being the sole Trappist monastery in England. Additionally, its monks are the only ones in Britain to brew Trappist beer.
Who designed the permanent monastic complex?
The permanent monastic complex was designed by the renowned architect Augustus Pugin, who offered his services free of charge. His design emphasized solemnity and simplicity, reflecting the austerity of the Trappist order.
Has the abbey always been open to the public?
While the abbey was a place of refuge and attracted many visitors, including notable figures, access details for the general public throughout its history are not fully elaborated. However, a calvary on an adjacent rock outcrop is open to the public.
What historical events are associated with Mount St. Bernard Abbey?
The abbey played a significant role in providing charity during times of hardship, such as the Great Famine and the depression in the Leicestershire coalfield. It also experienced the conscription of monks during World War I and was a site of retreat for notable figures.
What is the religious tradition of Mount St. Bernard Abbey?
Mount St. Bernard Abbey belongs to the Roman Catholic tradition and is specifically part of the Trappist Order, which is a reform of the Cistercian order.
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