DOWNSIDE AND THE WAR ABBEY CHURCH TOUR AM

Description

To commemorate Remembrance Day 2021, Downside will be holding a series of events recognising the impact both the Great War and the Second World War had on it. Spread across November, these events will share unique and touching stories and show how deeply effected Downside was by the two deadliest conflicts in history. 

This special tour of the abbey church will explore the building and the visible reminders of war upon it. Points of interest include the Great War memorial in the nave, the nave itself, the Lady Chapel, the tombs of Cardinal Gasquet and Abbot Ford and also the monastic cemetery to hear about some of those who lie within it. 

The tour will also explore some of the stories of the Old Gregorians who are listed on the memorial who were killed in the Great War. Some of these are exceptionally sad and all are incredibly interesting. We will also discover Abbot Ford’s role as an agent of the foreign office during the conflict, as well as the influence of his great friend Cardinal Gasquet in Rome. 

There are two tours running on this day, one at 10am and the other at 1.30pm. Tickets must be obtained through our Eventbrite page by clicking here. Please choose your allotted time when purchasing your ticket. Tickets cost £5.00 per person and numbers are limited to 20 people per tour.