English monasteries from earliest times to 1540

The Benedictine order, also known as the Order of Saint Benedict, is a Catholic religious order founded in the 6th century by Saint Benedict of Nursia. The order has had a lasting impact on European history, particularly in the preservation of knowledge, education, and the development of monastic communities. The talk will explain the essence of monasticism, outlining its development and the role of Bath Abbey and the south-western monasteries during their long history.

Giles Mercer graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in history and subsequently gained his doctorate from Oxford with a study of Italian Renaissance Education. He became the first non-Jesuit headmaster of Stonyhurst College and after 11 years in post took up the same position at Prior Park College until his retirement in 2009. He is a respected historian and author living with his family in Bath.

This is a BACAS (Bath & Counties Archaeological Society) talk. Tickets are £4 for members, £5 for visitors – please pay on the door. For more details see here.