Historical Norbertine Rite Mass at Bayham Old Abbey
About this Event
Norbertine Rite Mass at Bayham Old Abbey
Saturday 11 July 2026
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 , open to both experienced singers and those new to Gregorian chant (Limited numbers- please book a place by LATEST 4th July via [email protected] )
- 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 Historian Mary Alexander Ph.D., FSA (Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries). - 3:00pm
Solemn Missa Cantata (Norbertine Rite) with Gregorian chant - c. 5:00pm Close
Who is this for?
- Those interested in the Church’ history and liturgical heritage
- Musicians and lovers of Gregorian chant (all levels welcome)
- Lovers of Medieval history
- Families welcome
Booking Information
- Attendance at the Mass is free and open to all
- To register take part in the chant workshop (Limited numbers- please book a place by LATEST 4th July via [email protected] )
- 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.
To learn more visit English Heritage's site.
Pilgrim badge found on site:
- Date: Early 15th century
- Material: Lead
- Place made: Norfolk
Pilgrimage was an important aspect of medieval religious life. Small lead badges depicting scenes relevant to the shrine were usually on sale, both as souvenirs and to symbolise the pilgrim’s devotion. Abbeys acted as guest houses for pilgrims en route, so this pilgrimage badge did not necessarily belong to one of the Bayham canons – it could have been left behind by someone passing through.
This incomplete badge comes from the village of Walsingham, Norfolk, a place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It depicts the Annunciation (Mary being told she will give birth to the Son of God). The surviving figure is of the Virgin, wearing the style of high-collared cloak that was fashionable at the time and holding a book. Originally the Archangel Gabriel would have stood opposite her.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
