As part of the regular Tea and Cakes at St Ethelwold’s House, Anne Dodd gave a talk on the history of the house and the people who have shaped it, mentioning, in particular, Dorothy Pickering and Father Bede Griffiths.

St Ethelwold’s House is a historic building with a long history. It was originally built in the 13th century. It has been used as a brewery, and by a coal merchant and an antique shop. In 1964, it was purchased by Dorothea Pickering. She first used the house for her prep school, moved from the Vineyard and called The Vineyard School. It was only used as a school until 1967, and then became her retirement home.

During the 1970s, Dorothea believed it could be the base for a traditional Benedictine Community. She named it St Ethelwold’s after the reforming Abbot of Abingdon Abbey, who was a major figure in the Benedictine revival in England. She was then inspired by the Benedictine monk Bede Griffiths, who had an Ashram in India, to create a spiritual centre where people of all faiths could learn from each other and find peace and inspiration. He visited and wrote to her about the plans.

Under Pickering’s leadership, St Ethelwold’s House became a popular destination for spiritual seekers. It hosted various events and workshops, including meditation sessions, and interfaith dialogues.

Pickering died in 1997, but St Ethelwold’s Trust continues to operate St Ethelwold’s House as a spiritual centre. Initially there was an attempt to form a Benedictine Community like an Ashram. More recently, it has become an open spiritual / community centre and unique to Abingdon. It is a popular destination for people of all faiths, and none, who are looking for peace, inspiration, and community. The garden is also a popular place for local people to enjoy, and the events such as tea and cakes are a great way to connect with the community. There are groups in the house doing art, poetry, yoga and meditation. It has also been used to welcome refugees and host get togethers to celebrate what unites people.

(Jill Gant wrote a short history of The Fellowship of Saint Ethelwold available for £1 in the house.)