HAMPSHIRE dignitaries descended on Beaulieu Abbey Church at the weekend to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of the abbey by King John.
The church is one of the few in the country that can boast continual worship over eight centuries. Cistercian monks received the royal charter to set up the abbey on January 25, 1204.
Yesterday's service was attended by Lord Montagu along with Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Ken Thornber, the leader of Hampshire County Council and the Mayor of Southampton Parvin Damani - who then rushed off to get married at Southampton Civic Centre straight afterwards.
The service marks the start of a year-long celebration including a service in the abbey ruins conduced by the Bishop of Winchester.
Lord Montagu, whose family has run the estate since it was handed over from the Cistercian monks in 1538, said: "Today's service is the inauguration of a whole year of celebrations.
"January 25 was the actual date when King John set down the Royal Charter for Beaulieu Abbey, though we will be celebrating the foundation all year."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article