Bolton Priory 26th-29th May 2026

Course Fee: £270

At the heart of the Bolton Abbey Estate, set within the breathtaking landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, stand the Priory Church and the evocative ruins of the Augustinian Priory, nestled beside the river. The land was gifted to the Augustinian canons by Alice de Rumilly in 1154, and the community lived, worshipped, and sang here until 1539, when the Dissolution of the Monasteries brought an abrupt end to monastic life. Although much of the Priory was lost, the western half of the original nave was preserved, allowing worship — and music — to continue to this day.

It is to this extraordinary place that we return to sing four Choral Evensongs over the course of the week.

Our Musical Director, Jeff Stewart, assisted by Ben Saul, will guide you through a week of beautiful and rewarding music-making. Each day we rehearse towards the evening service, preparing music that is both expressive and rooted in a deep understanding of the text. As with all our Choral Holidays, the emphasis is firmly on enjoyment: discovering how words and music intertwine, and why composers make the choices they do.

Music & Schedule

The proposed repertoire will include the following:

Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis – Hylton Stewart in C

Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis – Holman in F Minor

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis – Statham in E Minor

Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis – Stanford in Bb

Wood – O Thou the Central Orb

Holst –Turn Back O Man

Wesley – Wash Me Throughly

Parry – My Soul, there is a Country

Each day will follow a relaxed but purposeful rhythm:

• 10.30am–1.00pm Rehearsal

• 2.30pm–4.30pm Rehearsal

• 5.00pm Choral Evensong

One of the most memorable moments from our previous visits to Bolton Priory has been singing plainsong Compline in the old Quire of the ruins — a space where the same office was sung centuries ago. Weather permitting, we very much hope to repeat this magical experience one evening during the course.

Practicalities

The course fee does not include accommodation or meals. We prefer, for this course, to give participants the freedom to choose options that suit their own budget and preferences, and there is a wide range of accommodation and dining nearby. We do, however, organise optional group meals each evening, which participants are warmly invited to join.

All places are booked in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and completing your booking indicates your agreement to them.