Towards Independence

After life had been resumed at Worth in September 1945, the conviction grew that Worth Priory should become independent of Downside. The position of a dependent house is a temporary phase. It is not satisfactory because major decisions are taken at the mother house and monks themselves are frequently recalled so that personnel are always changing.

A new Abbot of Downside was elected in 1946, Dom Christopher Butler. Abbot Butler was a scholar, theologian and former headmaster of Downside. He became better known as a fairly regular member of the B.B.C. "Brains Trust" panel in the 1950s and as a bishop after the prominent role he played in the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s. He was convinced of the need for Downside's two dependent houses, Ealing and Worth Priories, to become independent and his views played a decisive part in their change of status. St.Benedict's, Ealing, became independent in 1946 (now Ealing Abbey). Worth had to wait until 1957 before the community at Downside felt able to grant independence.

- aerial view of the Priory circa. 1950 (55k) -

Independence and the First Abbot

The first Prior of the independent Worth Priory in 1957 was Dom Victor Farwell, a striking personality with delicate health but gifted with the powers of leadership and spiritual wisdom. He was elected the first Abbot in 1965 when the Priory was raised to the status of an Abbey. He remained its superior until 1988, leaving his stamp clearly on developments.

At the start in 1957, Abbot Butler of Downside had selected nineteen monks for Worth. Then after independence Worth opened its own noviciate for new applicants and novices began to come forward immediately.

Change of School

The next 30 years after 1957 witnessed bold monastic, pastoral and educational initiatives that have changed the outlook and face of Worth. Worth Preparatory School was phased out gradually (1959-65) and the flow of pupils to Downside ended. A senior school, known simply as Worth School, was built up as the numbers of the preparatory school were reduced. The school's numbers rose steadily to 400 boys divided between a Junior House for ten to thirteen year olds and five senior Houses for fourteen to eighteen year olds.

This change has involved a considerable amount of building and alterations which have completely changed the setting that existed in 1933. Some of these are additions to the Main Building (as the Victorian country house is now called). Alterations were made to the farm buildings under the clock tower for accommodation. The three storey building on its north side was converted from a granary. Other outbuildings were turned into science laboratories, Art Room, Technology Centre and Music School. Closer to the Main Building, but on the slope above it, stands purpose-built accommodation (Rutherford House 1972) and the classrooms with library (1982). Behind these is a large Sports Hall (1988). Most of these were financed by appeals.

New Initiatives

Other developments were symptoms of a broadening pastoral concern with the wider world. Such were the Worth Conferences, a mission in Peru, the Lay Community, an ecumenical house of prayer in South London. These will be referred to elsewhere. The most striking development initiated by Abbot Victor was the unique church with a new monastery included in its south side. The church has been made deliberately the focus and symbol of what Worth stands for.