Venue Name: Stanbrook Abbey
Location: Malvern, Worcestershire
Please tell us a little about Stanbrook Abbey’s history
The story of Stanbrook Abbey can be traced back to 1272, when Stanbroc End (meaning spring or stony brook) was first mentioned in medieval records. Almost 500 years later Stanbrook Hall was built on the site for a gentleman called Richard Case.
Meanwhile, in 1625, the English Benedictine Congregation, exiled from England by Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, founded a religious community for nuns in Cambrai, northern France. In 1793 the French Revolution forced the 22 nuns to return to England, eventually settling near Liverpool and then at historic Salford Hall, near Evesham. God helps those who help themselves and, in 1835, hearing that the Stanbrook Hall site was for sale, the nuns made discreet enquiries about a possible purchase. Catholicism was still discouraged in England at this time so they were forced to use subterfuge — no Protestant would knowingly consent to sell their property to a Catholic, especially to a Catholic religious order. A Benedictine monk, disguised as a country gentleman with an apparent interest in hunting and fine wine, surveyed the property in 1836. Four other monks, also disguised as laymen, concluded the sale some weeks later. Only months after this did the previous owner realise, too late, that he had been misled.
By 1860 the nuns felt confident enough to commission Edward Welby Pugin and his two brothers to undertake a major scheme of work. Sons of Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, who created the sumptuous Gothic wallpapers, carvings, stained glass, floor tiles, metalwork and furnishings that grace the Houses of Parliament, their family architectural practice was a leading proponent of the Gothic Revival style much loved by Victorians. Over the next 20 years they created the church, cloisters, tower and other buildings at Stanbrook that you see today.
In 2009 the nuns moved to Wass, on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, and the building was acquired by AmaZing Venues.
What type of venue is Stanbrook Abbey?
Comfortably nestled beneath the gorgeous green ridge of the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stanbrook Abbey offers a truly unique venue with 57 beautifully appointed bedroom suites, 21 acres of gorgeous grounds and a stunning chapel.
Is Stanbrook Abbey licensed for wedding ceremonies?
Yes, Stanbrook Abbey offers you the choice of five licenced rooms for your ceremony and celebrations, while the extensive gardens and Neo-Gothic exterior provide an impressively grand backdrop for your photographs.
What can a couple expect from having their wedding at Stanbrook Abbey?
Beautiful, picturesque and full of character; Stanbrook Abbey is the ultimate wedding venue in the West Midlands. The magnificent ecclesiastical architecture, the calm and peaceful atmosphere, the seclusion of the grounds — all of these elements combine to set exactly the right tone for a truly sublime wedding day in truly glorious surroundings.
What is the capacity for a wedding ceremony and reception at Stanbrook Abbey?
14 Individual Functions Rooms with venue capacity for up to 200.
Do you offer exclusive use?
Yes, Stanbrook Abbey is an inspiring and impressive venue for sensational celebrations.
Stanbrook Abbey has the architectural stature to lend a sense of grandeur to any occasion, as well as a huge range of different reception and function rooms to ensure you can really party in style.
Does Stanbrook Abbey have its own caterers or can couples choose to bring in their own caterers?
Our chefs use the finest local ingredients and their well-honed talents to create dishes that are as delicious as they are attractive. These can be served in a number of different dining and function rooms, each of which lends an air of grandeur to the occasion. Our chefs can tailor menus to your exact requirements, making your experience personal to you.
What types of packages are available at Stanbrook Abbey?
With wedding packages to suit all budgets please call us to discuss your wedding proposal or visit our website.
Can packages be tailored to the couples needs?
Our Exclusively Yours Package offers you exclusivity on your wedding day, your own personal Wedding Manager who will be there to assist your with every last detail, and a toastmaster for the day. This option offers you the luxury of choosing the level of your banqueting requirements from our Gold or Platinum banqueting and beverage packages.
Please can you tell us more about Stanbrook Abbey’s guest rooms
The Manor House offers 5 double/twin bedroom suites including its own bridal suite with dressing room, set apart from the main Abbey.
The interior boasts 5 traditional bedroom suites, private entrance, self contained kitchen, grand staircase and a private walkway through to Callow Great Hall.
For weddings, the house offers luxury accommodation and is perfect for pre-wedding bridal parties, and post wedding parties with accommodation for close family.
Our Classic rooms are elegant and spacious, providing affordable luxury and style. Sink into one of our king-sized beds after a busy day and relax in the stunning surroundings of the Abbey.
Our Deluxe rooms are more spacious, with views of the grounds. Each have their own unique character with sloping ceilings, exposed wooden beams and architectural features including gorgeous stained glass windows.
Our Suites and Junior Suites are generously proportioned and plushly furnished with gorgeous en-suite bathrooms that feature both a bath and shower. Our lavishly swanky Presidential Suite is vast, with a large bedroom, beautiful en-suite bathroom and comfy drawing room that opens onto a large balcony where you can enjoy breakfast overlooking the grounds.
Does Stanbrook Abbey have a wedding co-ordinator on site and are they available on the day of the wedding?
It depends on the package you choose, but we do have a personal Wedding Manager who will be there to assist your with every last detail and a toastmaster for the day.
Where can I find out more about Stanbrook Abbey?
Visit our website www.stanbrookabbey.com.
