A School of the Lord’s Service

A History of Ampleforth by Anthony Marrett-Crosby OSB

188 illustrations, 82 in colour, pp. viii + 136, size 29 x 22 cm

Click either image for a larger version

This new large-format book celebrates the second centenary of the monastery and school at Ampleforth. It has a large number of illustrations (half the book is printed in colour) and many impressions and stories of individuals and events.

In 1802, at the height of the Napoleonic War, a small group of dispirited exiles, fresh from the experience of being thrown out of a Lancashire mission, arrived at Ampleforth Lodge. There they set about putting together the remnants of their monastic life, creating amid many difficulties a place that they could call home. The story of Ampleforth is about a community, and its struggles, victories and the occasional defeat over two hundred years.

This book describes the history of the Abbey, its schools and its parishes. The narrative is enriched by the people — monks, boys and parishioners — who are at the heart of the account. There are many strong, sometimes even controversial, personalities and episodes, here described with insight and wit. Combined with reminiscences of boys and staff at the College they make an engaging and informative story.

The text is copiously illustrated to take full advantage of the monastery’s outstanding collection of historical photographs and other images, as well as superb new photographs of Ampleforth today.

An important contribution to the history of the Order of St Benedict in the United Kingdom over the past two centuries, this is essential reading for anyone connected with the Abbey, the College, and the parishes.

Cost: £25 plus p+p. Click here to buy securely online.
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