Welcome

To know God and to make Him known in wonder, love and praise.

A warm welcome to the Abbey’s website. I hope you will find here the information you are seeking. There are also a number of important links to other sites which will tell you more.

Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, the Abbey has developed from Saxon cathedral to the worshipping heart of a monastic community, and finally, to one of the most beautiful of England’s parish churches. For many it is still the ‘cathedral of Dorset’, and our Benedictine heritage lives on in the daily offering of prayer and praise.

If you have never visited the Abbey, I hope you can do so soon. Marvelling at this glorious building, may you also catch a glimpse of the Glory of God – so that, having arrived as our welcome guest, you will leave renewed, as a pilgrim.

Canon Eric Woods, Team Rector
The Rector Writes…

Regular Services

Morning Prayer is said in the Lady Chapel at 8.30 am every weekday

Holy Communion is celebrated
Monday at 9.00 am, Tuesday at 12 noon
Wednesday at 10.30 am, Thursday at 12 noon
Friday and Saturday at 9.00 am

Sunday Services

8.00 am Holy Communion
9.30 am Parish Eucharist
6.30 pm Sung Evensong (5.00 pm in the winter)

more…

Opening Hours

The Abbey is open every day from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (4.00 pm in the winter)

There is no admission charge – donations are welcome

There is a free guided tour during the summer season each Tuesday at 10.30 am
and each Friday at 2.30 pm (services permitting)

Visit the Abbey Shop In The Close for a full range of gifts and souvenirs,
plus books, CDs, cards, etc

For further information, contact The Parish Office
on 01935 812452 (office hours only)
or view our list of frequently asked questions

Safeguarding

This Benefice takes very seriously its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults who may be at risk, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we operate in accordance with best practice at all times. We have adopted the House of Bishops’ “Promoting a Safer Church; Safeguarding Policy Statement”.

If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Parish Safeguarding Officers, Mr David and Mrs Lyn Rayner, by clicking on the link safeguarding@sherborne abbey.com

Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, on  07500 664800 or email heather.bland@salisbury.anglican.org

Full details of our Safeguarding Policy and Guidelines can be found in our Safeguarding Handbook.

Dorset Moon

Find out more