Hello everybody, and I hope this new week is treating you well! Today we’re going to catch up with Paddy and Plunkett, who we last saw exploring the weird and wonderful environs of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
This time, they’re much less likely to have to save their woolly skins from prowling mud giants. Their wandering paws have brought them to this peaceful place!
This is Buckfast Abbey, home to an entirely self-supporting community of Benedictine monks.
The original abbey at Buckfast was demolished in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the site became a quarry, then the grounds of a private house. But then, in 1882, the land was purchased by the Benedictines, who set about re-establishing a monastic community here.
Building work started in 1907, and took around 30 years to complete. And looking at what they created…
… You’d never know that this was accomplished with virtually no mechanical assistance. The monks borrowed a horse and cart from a local farmer for transportation, and their scaffolding was held together with tied ropes! And if you think that’s impressive…
… The interior will take your breath away!
And outside the Abbey, the grounds also contain a farm, sensory garden, lavender garden and a working water mill. The atmosphere of calm and reflection here really amazed the boys – maybe that’s why they’re not gadding about in front of the camera as much as usual!
However, on the way out, they stopped by the Abbey’s produce shop…
… To pick up a Beastie-sized sample of one of the monks’ most celebrated creations – Buckfast Tonic Wine!
“I think it’s important we support all the good work these people do, Plunkett. Now, follow me!”
Finding the perfect picnic spot isn’t always easy, but remembering that the monks built an entire Abbey using the most rudimentary equipment, the lads figured they could probably manage a short flight of steps.
“Nearly there! Aha, this looks perfect!”
Of course, Paddy was first to take a hearty glug from the bottle… I think we can all see where this is going.
Then again, Plunkett doesn’t look too steady on his feet either! This is potent stuff!
“Paddy, you are my bessshhht friend…”
Uh-oh, he’s away.
Quick, Paddy! Help him up! But carefully now, in case you…
… Fall over.
Oh well, I suppose we’d better leave them to sleep it off! There’s a lesson here about enjoying your fortified wines responsibly – especially if you’re only 5 and a half inches tall.
And how about you lot? Have you tried any interesting or unusual elixirs lately? Be sure to tell us all about it in the comments!
Oh those lucky guys. Not only a gorgeous cathedral, but a nice boozy picnic after their visit. The story of the construction is amazing (especially considering I can’t even stake up my tomatoes without the whole staking system collapsing two days later). We have Benedictine monks not far away, but unfortunately they only make fudge, not Beastie baffling drinks.
Yes, it’s got all the makings of a perfect day! I’m not sure how they’re feeling this morning though. š¤Æ Oh, and another aspect of Buckfast Abbey that didn’t quite fit into the post, but which might interest you… It was home to celebrated beekeeping monk Brother Adam. He devoted pretty much his whole life to looking after Buckfast’s bees, and even developed his own strain! Here’s his Wikipedia page if you’d like to take a peek! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Kehrle
And hey, maybe you could drop some off your latest batch of wine in with your local Benedictines and see if they’ll fortify it for you? š
I’m not sharing my wine! I have actually heard of Buckfast bees but didn’t make the connection. I wonder how much of Brother Adams’s honey was made into mead since he seems to be part of the Drunk Monk order š
It would be a sorry waste if they didn’t use at least some of it for mead… Yum!
Haha, let them sleep it off.
I think the most exciting thing I’ve drunk recently was a Belgium raspberry beer. I really liked it… but it doesn’t really give you a buzz, it’s more like a lemonade – bubbly and sweet. š
Mmmm, tastygood! Sounds like the perfect summertime drink š Cheers for stopping by, Ivonne!
Hahahaha excellent photos! That must be some goooooood wine! Last year we took the steam train to Buckfastleigh (in fulfilment of a nephew’s fantasy), but alas did not imbibe any of the good stuff! I could have used some–I managed to purchase a sandwich with a COBWEB on it for lunch! Great post.
What? But cheese and cobweb is a classic sandwich combination! š I think the lads did well to skip out on that particular delicacy, even if their heads are a little sore this morning! Cheers for stopping by, Weekes!
Mmmmmm even zingier than cheese and onion! Btw – B was delighted to see the lads so local again š
Yaaaay! I suppose he must have been pretty much raised on Buckfast then š I think the boys are all done in the south west now, but they had a great time while they were there!
Those monks have a lot to answer for …lol š
Heehee! Possibly… But I think the boys appreciated their efforts. Perhaps a little moderation might be in order next time! š Cheers for stopping in, Paula!
Delightful shenanigans in a lovely location! I was laughing when I saw the sound effects š
Heeheehee! Thanks Tierney… I can never resist a comic book sound effect! š¤£ Cheers for joining the boys on their latest adventure!
Very neat to see this beautifully-built space – done with ropes… how? and Wow. And, I am all for hearty glugs in the grass. Looks like a very fun time (and nothing that a little sleep and hearty breakfast didn’t cure, I’m sure!).
Yes, I imagine Beastie-sized “full Irish” breakfasts were called for after these shenanigans! š As for how they built Buckfast Abbey, it’s incredible, isn’t it? And I read that despite their low-tech approach, there were only 4 recorded (and non-fatal) injuries during the whole building process! Cheers for stopping in, Shirley š
I never knew Buckfast was made by monks! That’s pretty much the exact opposite of what I expected, considering its reputation š
I know… A bit of a contrast, isn’t it? Especially since the monastery itself is so peaceful – it’s lucky the boys decided to take their party elsewhere! Thanks for stopping in, Hannah! š