Abbot Extraordinary: The Life of Walter de Monington

Walter de Monington (1342-1375) ranks alongside Henry of Blois and Richard Bere and as one of Glastonbury’s greatest abbots. Expanding and rebuilding much of the core monastic complex, Monington navigated Glastonbury through the Black Death, spiritually renewed his monastery and maintained a constructive relationship with the diocese of Bath and Wells. A patron of the arts and a bibliophile, Monington left a stable and financially secure institution at his death in 1375. But despite his many achievements, today Monington is largely forgotten.

In this evening talk at Abbey House, join Dr Tim Hopkinson-Ball as he explores Walter de Monington’s career at Glastonbury and his impact on the abbey. Tim will address Monington’s actions, thought and beliefs, as well as suggesting answers to questions concerning the man and his legacy.

Dr Tim Hopkinson-Ball is an independent scholar and Chair of the Glastonbury Antiquarian Society. He has lectured widely on Glastonbury’s history and traditions. Tim is also the author of numerous papers, including the only academic study of the cultus of Our Lady at Glastonbury. He is also author of The Rediscovery of Glastonbury, a biography of Frederick Bligh Bond, the first Director of Excavations at the abbey, and Glastonbury: Origins of the Sacred, a study of the evolution of the abbey's foundation story.

Tickets cost £6 per person.

Important information:

This event takes place in Abbey House, which is accessible only to ticket-holders for this talk during the event.
Tickets are non-refundable. Please ensure you are able to attend before booking.
Due to the limited capacity of Abbey House, attendance is strictly limited to 40 people.
Tea, Coffee & Abbey Cider will be available to purchase prior to the start of the talk.
Doors open at 18:30.