Douai Abbey

Douai Abbey is a Roman Catholic monastery of monks of the English Benedictine Congregation, and under the patronage of Saint Edmund, King and Martyr. We were founded in Paris in 1615. Uprooted by the French Revolution we settled at Douai in Flanders, and finally returned to England in 1903, settling at Woolhampton. Douai monks still serve in parishes throughout England. At the monastery we welcome guests on retreats or courses, as well as those who seek space for quiet or study. There are facilities for conferences, and for youth and chaplaincy groups. Our library and archive houses a rich resource for study and researchon application. Throughout the year we host a number of concerts in the abbey church. However, the primary work of the monks is the regular celebration of the liturgy in the abbey church, which is open to the public. While this website explains our life, history and vocation in greater depth, you are always welcome to come and see.