Skip to content
Skip to content

Opening the Book: Music and Community in an early Tudor monastery

A unique 600-year-old manuscript used by the Buckland Abbey monks returns to the Abbey.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

A unique medieval book used by the Buckland Abbey monks returns to the Abbey for the first time since the reign of Henry VIII. 500 years ago, Buckland Abbey was alive with music. Now you are invited to step back with us to that time, hear the ancient music found in this book and learn what life was like for the monks and musicians who lived here. Buckland Abbey has partnered with local schools, St Andrew’s C of E Primary School and Tavistock Community College, to commission children and young people’s creative responses to Buckland’s ancient past. This exhibition is a collaboration between researchers at the National Trust and Exeter University, supported by the UK Arts & Humanities Research Council. Admission is free for National Trust members; normal admission applies for non-members. The exhibition is open with the house, 11am – 4:30pm daily (last entry at 4pm).

Admission is free for National Trust members; normal admission applies for non-members. The exhibition is open with the house, 11am – 4:30pm daily (last entry at 4pm).

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Meeting point

Nave Gallery in the Abbey.

Accessibility

There is a step free route to the Nave and ground floor. Some spaces with interpretation are accessible via stairs.

Upcoming events

Event

Threads of Time: A Journey through clothing 

Follow the story of Buckland Abbey’s inhabitants through a costume exhibition showcasing their diverse lives and stories over the centuries.

Event summary

on
16 Jun to 15 Jul 2025
at
11:00 to 16:30
+ 29 other dates or times
Event

Volunteering Drop-in Morning 

Come and find out more about the different volunteering roles at Buckland Abbey.

Event summary

on
20 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 12:30
Event

A History of the Abbey through its Art (guided tour) 

Join our volunteer guide to learn more about the artworks around the house.

Event summary

on
23 Jun to 27 Oct 2025
at
14:00 to 15:30
+ 18 other dates or times
Event

Wildflower Wonder at Buckland Abbey 

Join Ranger Kate and our volunteer walk leaders for a walk through the woods and meadows of Buckland Abbey

Event summary

on
25 Jun 2025
at
11:00 to 13:00