Buckfast Abbey, Devon, England.
The building itself from the outside is quite a plain affair. A solid piece of architecture built in the early nineteen hundreds, but without any fancy additions. Its attractive but to me not beautiful.
Inside is much more impressive..built in white stone it has soaring ceilings and some stunningly beautiful areas. I liked the ceiling painting…a bit of bling always catches the eye. A large mirror was placed beneath the painting for those who felt unable to look up.
I also liked the arched windows through which the suns rays touched the brickwork.
And the enormous golden crown-like chandelier was eye catching.
As I entered the Abbey an extraordinary sound vibrated around the walls. It came from the choir who were rehearsing for an evenings performance.
I sat down and listened. It was a highly emotional and physical experience.
It felt as if the sound had entered my ears and touched every nerve in my body. I felt breathless when I finally stood up.
The sense of peace and quiet was everywhere. In the Abbey, in the grounds and in the small gardens. That is the feeling I was left with…complete calm.
Stunning purple tulips grew in the abbey gardens.
Short history :
A Benedictine abbey was built in 1018. A Cistercian abbey was later constructed on the site in 1134. In 1539, with the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey was left to ruins. A Gothic mansion house was later built on the site.
In 1882 a group of French Benedictine monks built monastic quarters and a temporary church, incorporating the Gothic house.
In 1907 a new abbey was begun and finished in 1938.
The abbey over the years has been at one time or other both extremely wealthy and very poor. Now it is self sustaining, farming sheep and cattle and growing vegetables. The monks produce a famous Tonic wine and bee products for sale in their charming shop alongside candles, soaps, glass and trinkets.
devon2mother 