Downside Abbey Church

Downside Abbey Church, one of only four Minor Basilicas in England, has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.

“The most splendid demonstration of the renaissance of Roman Catholicism in England“
Sir Nikolaus Pevsner

A huge restoration project was launched in 2014 at the celebration of our Bicentenary. The copper roofs of the Lady Chapel and the Gallery Chapels have all been replaced to make the building wind and watertight although the internal staining caused by water ingress still needs attention. The iconic Tower, is now safe with a smart new roof and repaired stonework in the belfry. This year we will replace the sound system, however, the heating system and lighting still needs a major overhaul to bring it up to modern standards.