The Society of Saint Francis
St Mary at the Cross
Glasshampton
SHRAWLEY
Worcester
WR6 6TQ
UK
Phone: (01299) 896 345

Fax: (01299) 896 083
E-mail: glasshamptonssf@franciscans.org.uk

Link to map

 Glasshampton Monastery is a house of prayer of the Society of Saint Francis (SSF), a religious community within the Anglican Church.  Following Christ in the way of Saint Francis, we seek to live a simple life inspired by the Gospel, living together under vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.  Our life here revolves around the three ways of service of prayer, study and work.  In all that we do we try to live by the values of humility, love and joy, welcoming those who visit and those who come to stay as brothers and sisters in the love of Christ.

The house itself was originally a stable-block, built for a large mansion now ploughed under the neighbouring field.  The stables were built around 1810, but the main house burned down soon afterwards and was never rebuilt.  After this, one corner of the stables was used as a gamekeeper's cottage while the rest mostly became derelict.

In the early years of the twentieth century, Fr. William Sirr of the Society of the Divine Compassion (SDC) felt called by God to leave his work in the East End of London to begin a contemplative life of prayer in a more secluded setting.  In the winter of 1918 he moved to Glasshampton and established the religious life in this place.

Fr. William lived here for nearly 20 years, leading a life of silence, contemplation, intercessory prayer and manual labour.  He renovated the building to make it habitable again.  People came to stay for shorter or longer periods of time, finding in Fr. William a spiritual director of great holiness.

Fr. William had always hoped to found a contemplative community at Glasshampton, but as the years went by it became clear that no community was going to form around him.  He died in 1937, and his grave can be found in the monastery garth.

In 1947 the Society of St. Francis were invited to come to live at Glasshampton.  From that time the monastery has acted as a place where a group of professed brothers seek to live out the contemplative side of the Franciscan charism, where novice brothers receive part of their training, and where guests come to be refreshed by the quiet prayerfulness of the house.

Our day is structured around the Daily Office, the times of communal prayer in the chapel.  We begin with Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. followed by a silent prayer time and then the Eucharist at 8 a.m.  After the morning chapter meeting and work period we return to the chapel for Midday Prayer at 12.15.  The afternoon work period comes to an end with tea with the guests, and then Evening Prayer at 5.30 p.m. This is followed by an hour's silent prayer.  The 'greater silence' begins after Night Prayer at 9 p.m.  Guests and visitors are invited to join us for any of the services in the chapel.

As a place of prayer, we try to maintain a quiet atmosphere in the house.  We do this in order to nurture an awareness of the presence of God throughout the day, and hope that our guests and visitors will be able to share in this with us.  In particular we ask that the cloister and library be kept quiet, and although there is no rule of silence in the guest-wing, we would ask people to be sensitive towards those who may be on silent retreat.

The guest-wing of the monastery has five rooms for men or women staying on retreat.  Guests usually stay for up to six days, from Tuesday afternoon until Monday morning.  Guests join the brothers at meals, which are taken in silence in the refectory.  We can cater for special diets, but please let us know in advance.

There is also a guests' sitting-room on the ground floor for up to 15 people which can be used by visiting groups, and a small sitting-room for individuals having a quiet day.  Unfortunately we are unable to provide meals for groups of day-visitors and would appreciate it if visitors could bring a packed lunch.  Tea and coffee will be provided.

Guests are welcome to walk in the gardens and beyond the monastery, following one of the many footpaths in the area.  We are privileged to live in an area of great natural beauty, surrounded by woods and fields.

People can ask to see one of the brothers for spiritual direction or confession, or simply take the opportunity to relax and come closer to God away from the pressures of life at home or at work.  Just ask the Guest Brother and he will make the arrangements for you.  The brothers would be glad to give an address to a visiting group, but please give us some advance warning if this is what you would like.

We welcome all people to the monastery and we make no fixed charge for the time people spend with us.  However, we rely on payments from guests and visitors for a substantial part of our income.  We suggest a donation of £25 per day for those staying with us: but if you wish to add more that would be welcome.  For day groups / visitors we do not have a fixed rate, but leave it to your judgement.  You may wish to include a donation if a brother gives a talk to your group, runs a quiet day or spends time with you for spiritual direction or other pastoral help.  We would not, however, wish anyone to feel that they cannot afford to visit or stay with us and are happy if people give whatever they feel able.

If you wish to visit or stay, or require more information, please contact the Guest Brother at the address at the top of the page.