1996 Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw { 34 images } Created 25 Jun 2015
In 1996, I was commissioned by the Independent to spend time at Sancta Maria Abbey, a Cistercian monastery at Nunraw in East Lothian. The result was a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the monks at a time of profound change.
The Abbey, since 1946 home to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, had around 15 monks in 1996, who undertook a mixture of daily tasks and strict religious observance. The present purpose-built building dates from 1969 when the monks moved from the nearby Nunraw house.
The Abbey, since 1946 home to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, had around 15 monks in 1996, who undertook a mixture of daily tasks and strict religious observance. The present purpose-built building dates from 1969 when the monks moved from the nearby Nunraw house.