Buckfast Abbey, Devon, a Working Abbey with Monks that still Perform Gregorian Chant

This was a day out while I was staying down in Torquay, which isn't too far away.
The Abbey was originally built in the 1000's but the left hand part was reconstructed in the early 1900's with the old parts surrounding it. It is a beautiful place, but one thing that attracted me as a musician was the Gregorian chant, still sung by the monks, so I included their vocal chant as a background to the Abbey. They performed while I was there and it was wonderful to listen to. They have recorded CD's that are on sale there too.
This is just a vlog and since I'm not that religious, some of my comments might be a little flippant, but just joking and having a great time.
It's a fantastic day out. Free to everyone with free parking included. The monks produce beer and wine and there was one monk that used to also produce honey, all of which can be bought in their shop.
There is also a lovely carvery which we went to. The produce is local or from the abbey again.
It's a great day out.
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[@iancraig]

We visited Buckfast Abbey for a day out while we were staying in Torquay. It’s a great, free day out.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

The Abbey is wonderful to see. I know of the Abbey through two sources. I attend the Latin Mass and I sing Chant since I am a traditional Catholic. The second way is that the Abbey had a monk named Brother Adam who was the worlds most prestigious bee keeper and breeder. He single handed saved the UK from the loss of all their Honey Bees and pollination due to a bee plague that killed all the bees in the UK. He bred a type of Hybrid bee called the BUCKFAST BEE that re populated the UK. It is a Black Honey Bee. If you ever get the chance look up Brother Adam in KZbin. Very interesting science. Thanks for the Video. Jim in Chile South America

[@iancraig]

Yes. I did speak to someone there about Brother Adam. An amazing story. I don’t think that they keep bees there now and continue with mead and wine. The Gregorian Chant was beautiful, with the service consisting of 95% singing. Continuous chanting with a great deal of question/answer phrases. A lead vocalist followed by the rest of the monks in unison. I’ll never forget that sound. Brother Adam died in 1996. www.beeculture.com/it-began-with-brother-adam/

[@ChileExpatFamily]

@@iancraig I knew he passed a long time ago. I have taught Latin Mass Chant for the past 20 years so you are spot on. Thanks. Jim

[@William_Tribe1]

I'm going to apply for Buckfast Abbey Monastery to become a monk and serve. ✝️ 🙏

[@iancraig]

Hi William. It’s a wonderful place to be part of. The monks themselves are really friendly and are happy to be photographed and join in with the fun. It’s also so beautiful. I love the atmosphere there and there are no ‘pretences’ and you are free to be yourself without lots of ‘airs and graces’. I’m very light hearted in my personality and the monks just join in. They’re great. They see the fun in life clearly.

[@dr.rohitgour795]

So beautiful 😍

[@iancraig]

The monks singing live in the cathedral is something I’ll never forget. They sang Gregorian chant and the sound just floated around the space. They were there, but the sound was spread all around. They’re very friendly, and one monk waved to me from the top of the Abbey when ai pointed my camera up at the ceiling.

[@lensmanonline]

Hi Ian Hope you're well, what a fantastic place, the abbey is beautiful inside and the the grounds look really wel kept, i think i'ys somewhere we'll have to visit. The carvery looked nice and tasty, did you treat youself to any of the beer. great vlog what was it filmed with. Best wishes stay safe Jon

[@iancraig]

Hi Jon. I was thinking of you putting these videos up! Best part about the abbey is it’s free. Lovely day out and opportunities for some terrific pictures. I could have spent another day there purely for photography and I wanted to spend time if I could with some monks and video them talking about their lives. It’s pretty spectacular. The carvery was £15 each for a roast. Only on weekends I think for roast, but a cafe during the week. Their wine is strong and has caffeine in it….. they call it mead. So for me, a no go. I’d be climbing the roof. I filmed the video with the Pocket 2. It’s brilliant for carrying around and has terrific sound with a lavalier.

[@AllieThePrettyGator]

Buckfest Abbey is one of the 2 Abbeys i know that has a Bourdon bell the other being downside Abbey

[@iancraig]

Well they are certainly powerful. The bells were really going when we arrived and boy, did they have impact. I think bourdon bells are part of carillon bells as well. I remember hearing them in France. It’s a beautiful place.

[@xravenxxx]

I live right next to there I love it

[@iancraig]

Wow. It is a beautiful place. We might be back there in couple of weeks too. It’s such a lovely place to visit. Those bells must drive everyone nuts!!!

[@SenorTucano]

My son was born whilst I lived in Buckfastleigh

[@tedyuan8340]

Love your videos Ian

[@iancraig]

Thank you Ted. Always nice to know that they are being watched! I enjoyed making this one since Buckfast Abbey is a really fascinating place to visit.

[@CambyBolongo]

Thank you for showing Buckfast Abbey. Was the singing being played over speaker or was it coming from elsewhere in the Abbey?

[@iancraig]

I recorded the singing in the Abbey while I was there and used the audio track under my video. I sat through a service. It’s a fantastic place to visit.

[@CambyBolongo]

@@iancraig Ah right, thanks. I wondered if you could hear the brothers during the midday office as they sing from a smaller chapel within the cloisters.

[@iancraig]

That’s how they sound live from the front of the congregation. It’s a beautiful sound. One of the brothers waved to me from the cloisters in one section where I pointed the camera up. They are very ‘jovial’ characters to speak to.

[@tedyuan8340]

🎉

[@jamesrashbrook9485]

A monastic shop that sells devils cake😂😂😂

[@iancraig]

I found that really funny too!

[@samanthamarin7829]

I want to Know this kind of taking Videos📷! Teach me