The spread of monasticism in the Dark Ages had a lasting impact on European history, particularly in the preservation of knowledge, education, and the development of monastic communities dedicated to a religious way of life in which worldly pursuits were renounced and replaced by a life devoted to spiritual work. The talk will explain the essence of monasticism, outlining its development including the role of Bath Abbey and the south-western monasteries during their long history.

The dissolution of the monasteries during the English Reformation and its consequences affected the presence of the Benedictines in Bath and the role of the Abbey, as to every Catholic order, with challenges still being faced here and around the world.

Giles Mercer graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in history and subsequently gained his doctorate from Oxford with a study of Italian Renaissance Education. He became the first non-Jesuit headmaster of Stonyhurst College and after 11 years in post took up the same position at Prior Park College until his retirement in 2009. He is a respected historian and author living with his family in Bath.

The talk is taking place at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN on Thursday 12th December, 7.30pm, with an admission charge of £4 for members, and £5 for the general public. Pay on the door.

Further details can be found here. 

Dr Mercer’s book on Bishop William Brownlow, Bishop of Clifton, Convert, Scholar, Bishop: William Brownlow 1830 – 1901 (Bath: Downside Abbey Press, 2016) [£30 + PP] is available to purchase here.