Downside Abbey

Downside Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey in Stratton -on-the -Fosse in the district of Mendip southwestern English county of Somerset. Abbey belongs to a boarding school (Downside School).

History

The abbey's history dates back to the Elizabethan era when Catholicism in England was considered treasonous and was bloodily persecuted. A number of young English and Welsh, who had become in Spain Benedictine, were in 1606 set up a branch in Douai in the Spanish Netherlands. They chose Pope Gregory the Great as patron who had sent in the year 597 St. Augustine as missionaries to England.

The community grew, founded a school for Catholic Englishman, and sent missionaries to their homeland. Six of them died as martyrs.

The Revolution in France, to the Douai belonged since 1672, had the looting and dissolution of the monastery result. At the same time loosened in England Catholics repression. 1794 crossed the monks of the English Channel, and in 1814 they settled in Downside. Also, the school system was resumed. Today's representative buildings were constructed from 1870. Except you include church, convent and school and a guest house.

Abbey Church

The Abbey Church of St. Gregory the Great (St. Gregory the Great ) was constructed in several phases 1872-1938, with the overall plan remained unfinished. Nevertheless, it is the largest Gothic church in the UK. 1935 Pope Pius XI gave her. the rank of a minor basilica. Since 1986 she is listed as a Grade I building.

Architecture

Although the basilica was built by different architects in several sections with long intervals, it has an astonishing stylistic unity. 1882 were completed under the direction of Archibald Matthias Dunn and Edward Joseph Hansom transept and crossing. Until 1905, the choir followed, designed by Thomas Garner. Even before the Lady Chapel and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel east of it were developed. By 1925, Giles Gilbert Scott, built the nave. In 1938, the 55 m high square tower was completed on the south side.

Equipment

One of the most precious treasures of the church belongs to the reliquary of St. Oliver Plunkett, is connected in Lower Saxony by the Downside with the monastery church of Lamspringe. The rest of historicist features stained glass windows, altars and statues is of high quality and developed over decades through the generosity of wealthy donors.

The organ was built in 1931 by organ builder John Compton. The instrument has 142 registers, including 38 extendierte register and transmissions, four manuals and pedal. The organ case was designed by the designer Giles Gilbert Scott.