Downside Abbey: an Architectural History

Described by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as, ‘the most splendid demonstration of the renaissance of Roman Catholicism in England’, the Neo Gothic abbey church at Downside Abbey, Somerset was built between the 1880s and the 1930s under the direction of some of the country’s most renowned ecclesiastical architects. This elegant new book reviews the history and construction of this magnificent building, designed to rival the scale of England’s great medieval Gothic cathedrals. Contributions by distinguished architectural historians explore, among other subjects, Thomas Garner’s majestic choir, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s soaring nave and the exquisitely redesigned Lady chapel of Sir Ninian Comper. Generously illustrated throughout with drawings, plans, archival photography and dramatic new images by Paul Barker, the UK’s pre-eminent architectural photographer. Downside Abbey is an absorbing account of a remarkable place of worship.

A unique and beautiful book celebrating the architecture of this magnificent English abbey church.
Features specially commissioned images by acclaimed architectural photographer Paul Barker.
Includes contributions from such leading architectural historians as Gavin Stamp and Alan Powers.

Dom Aidan Bellenger is Abbot of Downside Abbey and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries. He is the author of numerous historical studies.

Pre – publication offer at only £35
(November 2010)

Downside Abbey: an Architectural History (London, 2010) is available to pre-order from Downside Abbey. To place an order please detach this slip and enclose payment for £40 (incl. £5 p&p): cheques to be made payable to Downside Abbey Trustees and sent to Dr. Simon P. Johnson, Downside Abbey, Stratton on the Fosse, BATH, BA3 4RH e-mail: histresearch@downside.co.uk ; Tel.: (01761) 235 313. Credit card and online orders can be made via the Downside Abbey website: http://www.downside.co.uk/online_shop/History.html