Buckfast Abbey

Front view of Buckfast Abbey

Nestling in the hills on the edge of Dartmoor National Park we found Buckfast Abbey, a truly timeless place. After three nights camping on the high, open moor we were happy to spend a couple of days soaking in the atmosphere of this place. The skills and the dedication of the community of monks have imbued this monastery with a very special quality.

A monastery was first established on this riverside site in the year 1018. This was dissolved along with all the others by Henry VIII in 1539. The place fell into ruins and eventually was demolished to make room for a opulent country house.

The amazing thing is that the present Benedictine community re-acquired the site in 1882. They found the foundations of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey under the gardens. In 1907 four monks, only one of whom knew anything about stone-masonry set about rebuilding it. With help from another two they worked Winter and Summer for 32 years and finally finished the present Abbey in 1938.

This spirit of self-reliance, determination and the interest in every new skill underpins what you can see of this remarkable place. There were 44 monks in the community at the time of our visit.

The modern architecture of the Grange Restaurant seems entirely in keeping at Buckfast Abbey

The bees bred at Buckfast are world famous among apiarists.
The architecture of new buildings like the cafeteria is of the highest standard and blends brilliantly with the old.
The gardens, including flowers, herbs, vegetables, lawns, a fountain, raised beds, wild flowers and a physic garden are very impressive.
Beautiful stained glass, great bricks of it set in a load-bearing epoxy matrix, illuminate a new parish church adjoining the Abbey.
There is a working farm providing wool to a woollen mill and shop.
Interactive educational resources lay waiting to amuse and entertain the most recalcitrant school party members!
A primary school still thrives although the monks disbanded their secondary school.
They have their own web-site at www.buckfast.org.uk.
They make their own produce including tonic wine.
There are three fully stocked shops open: Books, Gifts and Produce.

Buckfast Abbey in the afternoon sunshine

The monks' own profound Christian devotion seems seamlessly knitted to their devotion to life, quality and skilful means.