The Friars Aylesford Priory — Attraction in Tonbridge and Malling

The Friars at Aylesford, located in Kent, England, is a significant historical site with a rich heritage, especially connected to the Carmelite Order. Here's a concise history:

Foundation and Early History (13th Century): The site was originally founded in 1242 by the Carmelites, a Roman Catholic mendicant religious order. The Carmelite Friars established the priory after relocating from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land due to the Crusades. The initial establishment was made possible by the patronage of Richard de Grey of Codnor, a prominent nobleman.

Medieval Period: Throughout the Middle Ages, The Friars thrived as a religious community. It became an important centre for Carmelite learning and spirituality, housing a substantial library and hosting significant religious and academic activities.

Dissolution and Decline (16th Century): The Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII led to the expulsion of the Carmelites from Aylesford in 1538. The property was seized by the Crown and subsequently passed into private hands, leading to a period of decline and various uses over the ensuing centuries.

20th Century Revival: In 1949, the site was repurchased by the Carmelite Order, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Extensive restoration work was undertaken to restore The Friars to its former glory, and it was re-established as a place of worship and pilgrimage.

Modern Era: Today, The Friars at Aylesford serves as a religious retreat and pilgrimage centre. It attracts visitors from around the world, offering a place for prayer, reflection, and community activities. The site includes several notable features such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, various chapels, a retreat centre, and beautiful grounds.

The Friars continue to play a vital role in the local community and the broader Carmelite tradition, preserving its historical and spiritual legacy.

The Friars at Aylesford not only serves as a religious and pilgrimage centre but also hosts a tea shop and pottery on-site. The tea shop offers refreshments to visitors, providing a relaxing place to enjoy a variety of teas, coffee, and light meals. The pottery, known as Aylesford Pottery, is one of the oldest established potteries in England. It produces a range of handmade ceramics and offers pottery classes and workshops for those interested in learning the craft. These facilities add to the site's appeal, making it a welcoming destination for both spiritual and leisurely visits.

Definitely...

We heard about the Priory from friends and as it was on our doorstep we thought we would take a visit in support of the good works we had heard about. I must say walk around the grounds and the buildings was a lovely experience, lighting a candle in remembrance of past loved ones. We had light refreshments in the tea room where we found the seating are to be pleasant and the food of a reasonable nature and price. I was disappointed though to be told that as they were due to close in 45 minutes they would only serve beverages in cardboard cups, I do have two issues with this, firstly I have an allergy to drinking from cardboard cups something I did say to the person serving only to be told that that is the only way they are serving it and secondly, from a customer experience point of view, I believe that if your close time is 3.30 then the service you offer should stay the same throughout the opening and should not stop 45 minutes prior to closing, it’s just poor service. This grump being said it will not put me off from visiting again and hopefully next time we visit the tea room I too can have a drink as we will ensure we use the facility earlier than we did today to ensure the quality of...

If you like solitude and beautiful scenery mixed with prayerful silence in the beautiful chapels oozing calmness, I recommend the friars. I come here very frequently as I live nearby. I have also been on some of the many retreats here. Some are day retreats others are longer. If you like rustic centuries old architecture I recommend a stay at the guest house. The rooms are wonderfully simple and you feel a part of the community of friars who also live here. The shrine will bring you closer to God, and the pilgrimages held throughout the year are a testament to its popularity and religious significance, especially for the Carmelite order, to whom this historical shrine belongs to. Anyone who has heard of the brown scapular would enjoy a visit where a relic of st Simon stock resides. The friars are very friendly and take community masses, confessions, morning and evening prayer. There is no exclusion as I have seen people of many different faiths visit. There is the pilgrims hall that serves food, and the cafe and shop that are much worthy of...