Leicestershire is home to some of the most iconic Christian landmarks and buildings in England. From the Mount St Bernard Abbey to the medieval parish church of Saint Margaret, there are plenty of places to explore and discover the rich history of Christianity in the area. The Mount St Bernard Abbey is a Roman Catholic Trappist monastery near Coalville, Leicestershire, England, founded in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick and now in that of Charley. This abbey is renowned for being the first permanent monastery to be established in England since the Reformation and is the only Trappist house in England.
Visitors can admire some of the stone heads which are shaped like Green Men, an ancient pagan symbol of fertility that was later adopted by the Christian church. The tower of this abbey is one of Leicestershire's most famous landmarks and overlooks the ruins of Bradgate House, a Tudor-style mansion that was the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey. The impressive medieval parish church of Saint Margaret is another landmark in Leicester and may be located in the oldest Christian place of worship in the city. The Council of the Magna Parish Church of Wigston (PCC) is responsible for maintaining this building and its members are mostly volunteers. Before the arrival of COVID-19, they were exploring several options regarding the future of this church. Leicestershire is a great destination for those who want to explore Christian landmarks and buildings.
From Mount St Bernard Abbey to Saint Margaret's Church, there are plenty of places to visit and learn more about Christianity's long-standing presence in this area. The Mount St Bernard Abbey offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a living piece of history. Its stone heads shaped like Green Men are a reminder of how pagan symbols were adopted by Christianity. Meanwhile, Saint Margaret's Church provides insight into how Christianity has been practiced in Leicestershire for centuries. Visiting these sites can be a great way to learn more about Christianity's influence on Leicestershire's culture and history.
Whether you're looking for a spiritual experience or simply want to explore some fascinating historical sites, Leicestershire has something for everyone.