Norbertine Rite Mass At Bayham Old Abbey

English Heritage

• 11 July 2026
• 09:00 – 16:00
• See organiser for pricing
• Ages 0 – 18 years

Description

Join us for a special day at Bayham Old Abbey, celebrating its Norbertine origins with a sung Missa Cantata (Gregorian chant Mass) in the historic setting of the abbey ruins.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of the Norbertine Rite at a site where Premonstratensian (Norbertine) canons once lived and worshipped.

Mass will be celebrated by the Norbertines Fathers (Canons Regular of Prémontré, Canonry of Peckham).

ON THE DAY

The day is designed to be relaxed, welcoming, and open to all.

10:00am: Site opens. Explore and enjoy learning more about the Premonstratensian canons who lived and worshipped at Bayham Old Abbey.

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 (Numbers are limited - please email [email protected] to join)

Picnic lunch: Bring your own lunch to enjoy in the grounds of the abbey.

2:00pm: 'Frant and the Bayham Riot, 1525.' Short historical talk on Bayham Abbey and its Norbertine past from historian Mary Alexander Ph.D., FSA (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries).

3:00pm: Solemn Missa Cantata (Norbertine Rite) with Gregorian chant

5:00pm: Close

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

Those interested in church history and liturgical heritage

Musicians and lovers of Gregorian chant (all levels welcome)

Lovers of Medieval history

Families welcome!

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.

There is no charge for attendance but please note that there is a small charge for parking. As always, donations to English Heritage are most welcome, and help us to continue caring for the special sites in our guardianship.

Location

• Clay Hill Road
• Tunbridge Wells
• East Sussex
• TN3 8LJ

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