The Diocese of Sherborne was created in AD 705, Aldhelm, Abbot of Malmesbury, was appointed as the first Bishop of the West Saxons. Aldhelm chose the place as the site for his cathedral, now ‘downgraded’ to an Abbey. In the Doomsday book Sherborne is named Scire-burne, meaning ‘the clear stream’.
I have visited several times and usually find the place quite beautifully empty. There are free guided tours on certain days and Evening Song from the choir regularly, to experience the incredible acoustics. It is a place of worship with a thriving community.
Despite it’s downgrade, this is an abbey you really will want to visit. It is magnificent. The fan-vaulted roof will have you gaping open mouthed in awe. The stained glass is stunning. Apart from anything else, Walter Raleigh worshipped here – so you will be walking on the same stones that he did. I mean, come on… Walter Rayleigh for goodness sake. Benedictine Monks resided here for over 800 years.
And then… there are the bones. Isn’t it part of our human condition to be fascinated by old bones? I know it isn’t just me. To be able to look inside an old grave, isn’t that amazing? I am so glad that humans are allowed to be this macabre sometimes, please don’t let anyone step in with a clipboard and say this is no longer appropriate or respectful, we absolutely NEED to look at human bones that are hundreds and hundreds of years old through a glass panel direct into the grave. They are said to be the bones of two Kings. Ethelbert King of Wessex 860-865 and his brother King Ethelbald. The bones were discovered a hundred years ago in June 1925, some were discovered near a brass plaque and some in a stone coffin, although who knows if they were the mortal remains mentioned.
The buildings near the Abbey are almshouses, founded in 1437 under a licence from King Henry VI. Almshouse charities have offered a refuge to the poor of the parish since the 11th Century, Almshouse charities support about 36,000 people across the UK, the accommodation is invariably in listed buildings which take a huge amount of money to maintain. A rare 15th Century painting showing the five miracles of Christ was reluctantly sold last month (December 2025). It was housed in the Almshouse Chapel for 500 years but after being valued at 3.5 million pounds, it was decided that the money was better spent on keeping those residents in their homes rather than the houses themselves becoming the sale. Good decision I think. I am pleased to say that the end sale price was £5.7 million.
Go and see the vaulted ceiling, go and look at the old bones. Nothing will make you feel more cheerful and alive.
Ever onwards with courage,
ARH
