Alton Abbey
(Friends of Alton Abbey)
Alton Abbey is an Anglican Benedictine monastery in the village of Beech, about three miles west of Alton.
The community traces its origins from Burma and India in the 1880s, being founded to work with destitute or distressed merchant seafarers and their chaplains. The site in Beech was acquired in 1895 and was initially used to care for retired or ill seamen.
The current buildings were modelled on Tintern Abbey. Much of the constrution used local flint and was undertaken by the monks. The flint and brick Abbey church is dedicated to Our Lady and Saint John.
The community now runs retreats and courses for the public in guest rooms. The Monastery and grounds are opened on selected weekend afternoons to allow visitors to discover the beauty and peacefulness of the setting. Visitors are able to take refreshments, buy goods from stalls and enjoy a musical recital.
The Abbey is supported by the “Friends of Alton Abbey”, who organise a programme of concerts and presentations on topics, the latter often with a local and historic theme.
For more information about “Friends of Alton Abbey”, or events organised by them, please telephone 01420-562126 or e-mail
Forthcoming Open Days and other events are advertised on the Churches Together Notice Board.
The Alton Abbey web site is at altonabbey.com
Other local organisations
CTF Notice Board
L22-jb18
