Abbey News

12 Sep 2025

Dedication of the Basilica of St Gregory the Great

On 12th September 1935, the biggest Roman Catholic ceremony in the west of England since the Reformation took place here at Downside Abbey. The consecration of the Abbey Church took place on this day, with the ceremony being presided over by the Prince Primate of Hungary, Cardinal Seredi. He was assisted by two cardinals, seven […]

09 Sep 2025

Bevan Family Concert at Downside Abbey

Downside Abbey is pleased to welcome the Bevan Family Consort for an evening of sacred choral music in our Basilica. By kind permission of the Abbot and Community of St Gregory the Great, the Bevan Family Consort will gather to celebrate the work of some of the finest Catholic composers of early modern Europe including […]

05 Sep 2025

Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust Visit

Downside Abbey welcomed the Friends of Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust today with over 40 enthusiastic members coming to appreciate the rich architectural composition of the Basilica of St Gregory the Great. Crossing the border into Somerset, the group later visited St Dominic’s Chapel at Mells Manor, St Andrew’s Church (Mells), St Giles’ Church (Leigh-upon-Mendip) and […]

29 Aug 2025

Heritage Open Day – 18 September 2025

Downside Abbey is taking part in Heritage Open Day, 2025! Downside Abbey (the Basilica of St Gregory the Great) is one of only four minor basilicas in the UK and is one of England’s great neo-Gothic churches. The Grade 1 listed building is the work of several distinguished architects including Thomas Garner, Sir Ninian Comper […]