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!