Turvey monastery

Turvey Abbey

Turvey Abbey is a historic building located in the village of Turvey in Bedfordshire, England. Its original construction dates to 1603, with further inscriptions indicating dates of 1605 on the north facade and 1608 on the south facade. The building itself is constructed of stone with a tile roof. Historically, it served as a country house for wealthy merchants and was also inhabited by Catholic recusants. A notable feature, though no longer part of the Abbey, is a dovecote which holds Grade II listed building status.

Current Usage and Religious Affiliation

Today, Turvey Abbey functions as the Priory of Our Lady of Peace, a community of Benedictine nuns. This order adheres to the Rule of Saint Benedict and is affiliated with the Olivetan family of Benedictines. While the Abbey is not generally open to the public, the community does welcome guests. It is important to note that the adjacent 'Monastery of Christ our Saviour' is a separate entity and not part of Turvey Abbey.

Historical Context and Development

While the primary construction is dated to the early 17th century, historical records suggest the original part of Turvey Abbey may incorporate an even earlier structure. For a significant period, the Brands, identified as Catholic recusants, were long-term tenants. Later, in the late 18th century, the Mordant family sold their land, with Sarah Laurence noted as the tenant of 'The Abbey'. The property was then purchased by Charles Higgins, a wealthy London merchant, who used it as his country residence and undertook major repairs. His successor, John Higgins, developed a profound interest in the Abbey, visiting it from a young age and describing his fascination in his memoirs. Around 1801, John Higgins made several additions, including a new coach house (now Brand House), the addition of balustrading and mullioned windows, a walled garden, and a Gothic summer house, significantly shaping the property's appearance.