Ancient monastic book returns to Devon for first time in 500 years

A rare 600-year-old manuscript once used by monks at Buckland Abbey is returning to the Devon site this summer for the first time in nearly 500 years.

The Buckland Book, on loan from the British Library, offers a glimpse into daily life at the abbey when it was a Cistercian monastery, including the customs observed by its monks and the music they performed.

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Visitors to the National Trust property near Yelverton will be able to view the book, hear some of its historic music, and explore what life was like for the monks, choirboys, and their music master in the early Tudor period.

“We are really privileged to have been able to loan the Buckland Book from the British Library this summer, and we can’t wait to share it with our visitors,” said Buckland Abbey’s General Manager, Carol Murrin.

She added: “It’s a great opportunity to discover what life was like at the abbey when it was a Cistercian monastery, 500 years ago.”

The exhibition, titled Opening the Book: Music and Community in an early Tudor monastery, is the result of a research partnership between the National Trust and Exeter University historian Professor James Clark, supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.

Specialists have transcribed and recorded some of the book’s centuries-old music for the first time in almost five centuries, with performances by Michael Graham and the University of Exeter Chapel Choir.

“500 years ago, Buckland Abbey was alive with music,” said Daisy Gibbs, National Trust Research Officer and music historian. “The monks and choirboys sang in the abbey for hours on end each day. Our work with Exeter University has allowed the team at Buckland to bring their voices back to life.”

Alongside the book, the abbey’s Nave Gallery will feature creative responses from pupils at St Andrew’s C of E Primary School and Tavistock Community College. 

The young people’s work also forms part of a new musical composition, linking present-day interpretations with Buckland’s historic legacy.

The exhibition runs from 5 July to 31 October. Normal admission charges and opening hours apply.