Completion of Buckfast Abbey

A photograph of the completion of Buckfast Abbey in 1937 with four monks putting the final capstone on the turret into place. These monks were Brother Hilarion, Brother Pascal, Brother Mattius and Brother Peter. The original monastery at Buckfast was founded in 1018 and became a Cistercian abbey in 1147. When the present monks returned to Buckfast in 1882, they were able to uncover almost all of the original foundations and rebuild the Abbey in the architectural style of the mid-twelfth century - effectively restoring the original Cistercian abbey. The rebuilding of the Abbey Church started in 1907. The Abbey Church was built piecemeal, according to the funds available - but at no time did work come to a halt until the whole church was completed, thirty-two years later. The builders - normally only four monks had to cut and dress all the stone while funds were low. In later years, they were able to buy the stone ready-dressed from the quarries. Scaffolding was made from wooden poles, lashed together with ropes and chains. Stone was lifted with manual hoists or block and tackle. The final phase of the rebuilding of the Church was the completion of the tower the final stone was laid on the tower on 24th July, 1937, completing thirty-two years work.