We have visited Buckfast Abbey numerous times over the years. Indeed, Buckfast Abbey is situated in Buckfast Leigh Village – around 14 miles North-West from Galmpton. The original Benedictine monastery was destroyed in the mid-1500s by King Henry VIII and the Dissolution of the Monasteries (c. 1536 CE). This act broke the Papal hold over England and paved the way for the rise of an independent Bourgeoisie, the advent of capitalism and the individuality associated with liberalism. Prior to this time, every facet of English life was guided by the monastic daily toil and yearly observances.
The time of the day and season of the year was defined by the cycles associated with monastic life – with monastic life guided by the various Rules which guided the daily activities of the monks and nuns. Lay-people – or “Oblates” – also followed these rules – which permitted Roman Catholic spirituality to permeate English society. After its abolition – the Church of England was formed – which would eventually represent the capitalistic ideas of the new post-Catholic elites. As a consequence, it was only during the early 20th century that Buckfast Abbey was permitted to be re-built and for a population of monks to once again inhabit its interior.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 