Ampleforth Abbey, home to the largest Benedictine monastic community
in Britain, has been awarded a grant of £2.9 million by Heritage Lottery
Fund.
The grant will be released in its entirety once Ampleforth Abbey
processes plans to make urgent repairs to the Grade II listed Monk’s
Bridge and the Grade I listed Abbey Church.
After the necessary repairs are made, it is hoped that more tourists
will be attracted to the abbey and grounds. The 2,200 acre estate in
North Yorkshire has been home to the Benedictine community since 1802.
Sue Fisher, director of Development at Ampleforth Abbey, said:
“Receiving Heritage Lottery Funding’s support is a testament to the
historical significance of Ampleforth Abbey. This National Lottery
money will enable us to encourage more visitors to come to see and
experience the Benedictine way of life in the 21st century.”
Funds will extend the visitor experience and provide a better
understanding of monastic life and heritage with the 59 monks engaging
with visitors through organised retreats, acts of worship, the visitor
centre, tearoom, orchard, shop and landscape.
Sir Peter Luff, Chair of Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “Ampleforth
Abbey is a place of inspiration and beauty. It has entranced past
generations and will continue to do so in the future thanks to National
Lottery players. Visitors will see more clearly than ever the wonderful
heritage of buildings, of nature and of faith as they marvel at the
Abbey’s breath-taking architecture and enjoy the surrounding landscape.”