// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Botel Abbey say to the other monastery? "You're a boat-iful place
 | |
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Abbey of Saints Alban and Æthelwold |
| Denomination | Western Rite Orthodoxy |
| Established | 2017 |
| Dedication | Sts. Alban and Ethelwold |
| Archdiocese | Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland |
| People | |
| Founder | Fr. James Cavendish |
| Abbot | Fr. James Cavendish |
| Site | |
| Location | Buittle Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland |
| Website | https://www.metbritain.org/nationalshrineolw |
The Abbey of Saints Alban and Æthelwold, also known as Botel Abbey, is an Orthodox Monastery according to the Western Rite and Benedictine monastic traditions located in the grounds of Buittle Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
History
[edit]The site of the historical castle was acquired by James Cavendish, a member of the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles, after the previous owner was arrested for tax fraud in 2017.[1][2]
On September 29, 2019, Cavendish, at that time he was a Hierodeacon, was elevated to the rank of Abbot and Bishop by Metropolitan John LoBue.[3]
The following day, he was consecrated with the title: "His Excellency, the Right Reverend Bishop James, Vicar-Bishop of Whithorn, Dumfries, and the Marches."[4]
On February 10, 2025, Botel Abbey and the rest of the communities under Bishop Cavendish were received into the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of the British Isles and Ireland. The following day, Cavendish was ordained to the diaconate.[5] Shortly thereafter, he was ordained to the priesthood with the rank of Heiromonk and pastor of Botel Abbey and the Parish of Our Lady & St. Ninian.[6]
Monastic life
[edit]Monastic Brotherhood of Saints Alban and Æthelwold
[edit]The Monastic Brotherhood of Saints Alban and Æthelwold is a community of the Orthodox monks following the Western Rite traditions and the Rule of Saint Benedict, according to the abbey's website, the monks live in a hermitage style cells on the grouds of Buittle Castle.[7]
St. Alban's Press
[edit]St. Alban's Press is a publishing imprint for general liturgical and devotional material, many of the publications of which are the work of the monastic life of the abbey.[8]
The Dowry Workshop
[edit]The Dowry Workshop is an ecclesiastical tailor run by the monks, which specialises in Gothic vestments, and also sells liturgical incense. Since 2021, the Dowry Workshop has held a Warrant of Appointment from the Royal House of Habsburg.[9]
Orthodox Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Scotland
[edit]In the undercroft of the castle is the national Orthodox Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Scotland. The Divine Office is celebrated there by the monks of the abbey.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ Horne, Marc (2023-04-29). "The mystery surrounding Dalbeattie's 'mad monk'". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ McNair, Andrew (2017-06-15). "Dumfries and Galloway man jailed for £80,000 fraud while owner of 500-year-old Buittle Tower". Daily Record. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ "Consecration of Hieromonk James as Abbot – The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles". 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ "Consecration of Bishop James of Whithorn, Dumfries, and the Marches – The Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of North and South America and the British Isles". 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ "Bulk of Old Calendarist diocese joins Antiochian Church in British Isles". OrthoChristian.Com. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ https://www.antiochian-orthodox.com/clergy-profiles
- 1 2 "Botel Abbey & Shrine". MeT Britain. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ "St. Alban's Press". The Dowry Workshop. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
- ↑ "The Imperial Warrant". The Dowry Workshop. Retrieved 2025-11-05.