For the last three weeks, I’ve been staying in the Catholic Benedictine Abbey of Quarr on the Isle of Wight. The purpose for this slightly bizarre choice of accommodation was due to an archaeology excavation I was participating in on the ruins of the medieval Quarr Abbey (which I will discuss at length in a future post).
The Abbey is home to a group of monks who have services seven times a day and follow a strongly religious lifestyle. Life in the Abbey is traditional; the monks wear black, meals are eaten in silence and bells ring all day and night.
Of course, the original and medieval abbey in 1131 did not admit women. However, in the 21st century, women are now permitted entry to certain parts of the Abbey, though restrictions still apply. Female guests eat in the parlour whilst male guests dine with the monks in the Refectory, where they are granted permission to listen to traditional Gregorian chanting and the Martyrology. The Martyrology consists of informing the guests who died in the name of Catholicism on that day in history and was subsequently martyred. Although I was not given the privilege of hearing it first hand, I could vaguely hear a muffled version through the doors to the parlour.
The public is allowed to stay in the Abbey accommodation free of charge, in return for a small donation or assistance in daily chores. Be warned though; the rooms are rather lofty and empty, creating an eerie atmosphere. Not for the faint-hearted! The loud bells also make for a broken nights sleep so is not the best place if you’re looking for some good rest.
During my stay, I was given a tour of the cloisters, Chapter House and the library. Father Gregory, a very friendly monk, showed us around these areas which are usually closed to the public and it was fascinating. The library was crammed full of books, primarily on religion and the Catholic Church, and was remarkably large. We finished the tour by attending a service in the church conducted in Latin, which are open to the public, and it was mesmerising. The monks sing various hymns and psalms and the public watch in silence and follow the service book. Lasting about twenty minutes, it is worth seeing if you happen to stumble upon it.
The grounds of the Abbey are beautiful. The inner courtyard is stunning and the areas open to the public are equally attractive and lovely to walk around. A private beach to the North of the Abbey, down gorgeous woodland paths, is the perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset or visit the tea shop in the grounds to grab a cream tea. All in all, it is definitely an interesting place to visit if you’re near Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight but it is not the most attractive of buildings!
The Girl In The Window 