History of Bourne Abbey
Bourne Abbey was founded in 1138 by Baldwin FitzGilbert, who was the castellan of Bourne at that time.Having built the castle, he turned towards providing the town with a religious house which would double as the parish church. It is possible that the Abbey that he had constructed was built upon the earlier foundations of a Saxon church.
Baldwin decided to invite the Arrouasian branch of the Augustinian Order to provide the religious foundation of the Abbey.
Church: The Reason Why
At Bourne Abbey the liturgy is shaped by the rich diversity of the Church’s year underpinned by the daily offices. All Sundays celebrate the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ whilst reflecting the character of the seasons in which they are set.
By following the liturgical cycle the Church enters into the moods and rhythms of the Christian year, from the birth of Jesus, through the drama of the events in Holy Week to his ascension. This cycle deepens our Christian experience and becomes part of the rhythm of our lives – whether it is the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday or a candle lit for our departed on All Souls’ Day, the experience changes us. The Church’s year, with its cycle of seasons, thus provides the Church with its most compelling way into the mystery of faith.
School Links
Bourne Abbey C of E Primary Academy is our Church School. Seven of the recent Confirmation candidates came from years 5 & 6. We make a conscious effort to encourage the children in the upper school to make a Christian commitment by taking the step to be confirmed – with their parent/guardian’s support.
The children from both Bourne’s Primary Schools are regular visitors to the Abbey, and the clergy take delight in welcoming them and helping to communicate what goes on in the Church, and what the Church is for. In addition, Fr. Chris and Rev. Peter go into the schools to take Assemblies – together with clergy from the other Churches in Bourne.
