PCPT is currently working with the Benedictine community at St Mary’s Abbey in Colwich, Staffordshire.
The Abbey started life as a modest Georgian house, before it was purchased by Viscount Tamworth in 1828, who transformed it into a fashionable ‘Gothick’ shooting lodge.
Viscount Tamworth bought the Abbey (known at the time as Mount Pavilion) soon after he inherited the title and spent a vast amount on extending and improving the property, including constructing grottos under the terrace.
Grottos were a popular addition to the estates of young gentlemen who wished to emulate the classical shrines that they had seen in Italy. They were often decorated with shells and featured vaulted ceilings, statues and mirrors. By the 19th century, naturalistic imitations of rustic caves were more popular, but Viscount Tamworth seemed to favour the earlier classical model.
Unfortunately, Viscount Tamworth died unexpectedly before some aspects of the property were completed, including the grottos. They still exist today, with beautifully vaulted ceilings and niches ready for statues – it would be fascinating to know how they would have appeared if Viscount Tamworth had lived to complete them!
