The Old Fonthill Abbey Estate (which contains the remains of William Beckford’s Fonthill Abbey) will be open on Sundays 1st and 15th May. 10.00am – 5.00pm (entrance at SP3 6SP). In aid of Parkinsons UK and local charities.

Visitors are invited to take a good hike (or gentle stroll) around the woods and lake. Bluebells should be in flower on 1 May and rhododendrons on the 15th. As in previous years, there will be homemade cakes and soup, prize-winning bangers on the barbecue, and tea and coffee all day.

In the event of high winds, if Stourhead NT is closed, reluctantly so will the Old Fonthill Abbey Estate. If in doubt, please check the NT website.

The gardens of Fonthill House (SP3 5SA) will be open in aid of Beckford’s Tower on Sunday 8 May. Wonderful woodland walks, magnificent views and formal gardens.

The Autumn 2021 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page.

The Spring 2021 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page as well as July’s AGM booking form.

The Autumn 2020 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page.

The Spring 2020 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page.

The Beckford Lecture and Dinner will be held at the Travellers Club on Thursday 17th October 2019 at 6:30pm. A booking form has been enclosed with the newsletter mailing and is also available here.

The Autumn 2019 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page.

The Spring 2019 Beckford Society newsletter has been posted to members and is now available on the web site via the Newsletters tab on the Publications page.

The grounds of Old Fonthill Abbey will be open to the public this year on Sunday 5 and Sunday 19 May.

Visitors will be able to follow a series of walks and tracks around Bitham Lake and through the American Garden, and circuits to Stops Beacon and further points. The first date should be best for bluebells, and the second date for the rhododendrons.

Tea and coffee, and homemade cakes are available all day, along with homemade soup and prize-winning bangers on the barbecue. Dogs on leads are very welcome.

Donations for entrance and, as in previous years, will be shared between Parkinsons UK and local charities.

Entrance from 10.00am is by Stone Gate (SP3 6SP) on the Hindon to Newtown Lane.

NB. In the event of dangerously high winds, visiting will be cancelled. The NT Stourhead website will be followed.

John Rutter (1796 – 1851) is possibly best known as the author and publisher of Delineations of Fonthill and its Abbey which gives a detailed account of the Abbey and its estate following Beckford’s decision to sell.

Rutter was a man of many talents and achievements which are revealed in John Stuttard’s The Turbulent Quaker of Shaftersbury, which has just been published by Hobnob Press on behalf of the Shaftesbury & District Historical Society.

More details are available in this PDF flier.