The medieval monks of Abingdon Abbey were no strangers to a drop of beer. The monastery’s brewhouse aimed to produce an allowance of eight pints per monk, per day.
To be fair it was safer than drinking water at the time. Rivers and streams could easily be contaminated upstream putting a variety of bacteria, viruses, and unpleasant substances into the drinking water. The monks’ 400-year party came to an end in 1538 when Henry VIII targeted the monasteries as corrupt institutions and sent out his civil servants to close them down and grab their lands and wealth. The Abbey’s grand church and main buildings were dismantled but a few commercial buildings by the river were sold off and somehow the brewing tradition lived on. For around 300 years, a brewery operated in the buildings until it was finally merged with Morlands in the 1860s.
By the 1940s the buildings were almost in ruins and demolition was planned, but a society was formed to save them. To this day, the Friends of Abingdon continue to work to constantly raise enough money to keep the ancient timbers and stones in good repair, putting the beautiful Abbey Buildings at the heart of the modern-day community through new traditions like the Abingdon Beer Festival.
The monks would be proud. With the support of Loose Cannon Brewery, based about a mile away, the festival – now in its sixth year – celebrates over 30 local beers, ciders and perries. With the addition of good bands, hearty food (and the occasional soft drink to pace yourself) this is a three-day festival that draws in a relaxed local crowd as well as some visitors and contributors to the upkeep of the buildings. We can’t think of a better reason to raise a glass!
Friday 14 April 6-11pm
Saturday 15 April 6-11pm
Sunday 16 April 1-4pm – If there’s enough beer left!
