The Abbey and its landscape, home to Britain’s largest Benedictine monastic community, will be conserved with £2.9m from HLF.  Both the historic Monk’s Bridge and Abbey Church will be repaired and the 59 resident monks will become more involved with day-to-day visitor activities.

Entrancing generations past and future

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF, said: “Ampleforth Abbey is a place of inspiration and beauty.  It has entranced past generations and will continue to do so in the future thanks to National Lottery players.  We’re investing nearly £3m to help the Abbey to be the vibrant and welcoming place the monks rightly wish. 

“Visitors will see more clearly than ever the wonderful heritage of buildings, of nature and of faith as they marvel at the Abbey’s breath-taking architecture, enjoy the surrounding landscape and learn how its Benedictine monastic community works in the 21st century.”

[quote=Lord Julian Fellowes, writer and Ampleforth Abbey supporter]“I am delighted to hear that Ampleforth Abbey is to receive help from HLF."[/quote]

Treasured memories

Lord Julian Fellowes, writer and Ampleforth Abbey supporter, said: “I am delighted to hear that Ampleforth Abbey is to receive help from HLF. My love of the theatre was inspired during my time there, and I hope that the Abbey with its long tradition, its wide range of facilities and its wonderful location will continue to be a source of inspiration to many others.”