What’s happening?

30 years ago

Thirty years ago the Abbey was going to close. This prompted the formation of the Friends of Dore Abbey and the main roof was replaced with a grant from English Heritage.

Dore Abbey is on Historic England’s buildings ‘At Risk’ register due to the poor and deteriorating state of some of the sections of the roof and the fact that it is beyond the capacity of the small parish of Abbeydore to maintain a building of this size and national importance.

Ongoing repairs

The tower roof repairs were completed in 2023. Next major repairs will be the north ambulatory roof, followed by the south ambulatory roof, in order to stop them leaking and then the internal plaster can be restored. Meanwhile there are numerous small repairs needed, some urgent. We would love to display the stones currently stored in the east ambulatory and restore the wall paintings.

This year, 2025, we have installed a new sound system, put in a motion sensor lamp so visitors can see the Abbey even on dull days, had ground penetrating radar to discover more about the old Abbey buildings and begun the process needed to install a compost loo.

Support today

Please consider how you can best ensure that the Abbey remains special for future generations - not a roofless monument in the care of Historic England but a living, breathing place filled with worship, music and song, poetry and prose, people and laughter.

Consider giving a monthly donation via the Parish Giving Scheme, more details on Funding page or a one off donation with Just Giving via the Support Dore Abbey tabs or become a member of the Friends of Dore Abbey. Visit their page for details and the membership form.