Historical Norbertine Rite Mass at Bayham Old Abbey
Join us for a special day at Bayham Old Abbey, celebrating its original Norbertine heritage with a sung Missa Cantata (Gregorian chant Mass)
Join us for a special day at Bayham Old Abbey, celebrating its original Norbertine heritage with a sung Missa Cantata (Gregorian chant Mass) in the historic setting of the Abbey itself.
This is a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of the Norbertine Rite, prayed on the very site where the Premonstratensian canons once lived and worshipped. Mass will be celebrated by the Norbertines Fathers (Canons Regular of Prémontré, Canonry of Peckham)
The Day
The day is designed to be relaxed, welcoming, and open to all:
- Morning & early afternoon - arrivals from 10am
Explore the site and enjoy learning more about our heritage. - 10:45am Chant workshop led by Dr Matthew Ward and members of the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge, open to both experienced singers and those new to Gregorian chant (Limited numbers- please email mjcward1@gmail.com to join)
- Picnic lunch: Bring your own lunch and enjoy the grounds of the Abbey.
- 2:00pm: Frant and the Bayham Riot, 1525: Short historical talk on Bayham Abbey and its Norbertine past from Mary Alexander.
- 3:00pm: Solemn Missa Cantata (Norbertine Rite) with Gregorian chant
- c. 5:00pm Close
Who is this for?
- Catholics and those interested in the Church’s liturgical heritage
- Musicians and lovers of Gregorian chant (all levels welcome)
- Families welcome
Booking Information
- Attendance at the Mass is free and open to all
- To register take part in the chant workshop, please Dr Ward email: mjcward1@gmail.com
- There is no charge for attendance but there is a charge for parking and we welcome donations to English Heritage.
This event is being organised by volunteers, in collaboration with the Norbertine Order (Canons Regular of Prémontré) and the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge, with generous support from the Latin Mass Society.
It is being held with the very kind support of English Heritage.
Practical Information
- Please bring a picnic lunch and any refreshments you may need
- Bring chairs for the mass
- Sensible footwear is recommended (uneven ground)
- Parking will be available on site (details to follow)
About the Location
Bayham Old Abbey is a 12th-century Premonstratensian (Norbertine) foundation.
Founded over 800 years ago, Bayham Abbey was home to a community of Premonstratensian canons – ordained priests who lived according to a strict monastic rule. It was dissolved on the orders of Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 and the buildings were left to decay. In 1714 Sir John Pratt, later Lord Chief Justice of England, bought the Bayham estate, and he and his successors retained the ruined abbey as a fashionable landscape feature for their country retreat.
Today, Bayham is the best surviving example of a Premonstratensian abbey in England, and its impressive ruins show how life evolved at the monastery over 300 years.
