The 800th anniversary of Bourne Abbey

The idea of holding a pageant to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the present Abbey was due to the Vicar of Bourne, the Rev C W E Horne. He discussed the matter with a few people, and eventually a meeting was called to consider the matter. Those assembled agreed to go forward with the suggestion and a small committee was formed. It was suggested that the pageant should have a musical background, and with this object in mind the choirs of the various denominations in the town were invited to assist. This they not only readily agreed to do, but they also supplied many of the performers on the stage. The authentic detail of the scenes, costumes, dances, etc., were carefully considered, and in so far as is possible without a large fund upon which to draw, this has been observed. The performers agreed to pay for the hire of their costumes, and practically all the work behind the scenes has been given voluntarily.

COMMITTEE
Chairman - Rev C W E Horne
Scenario written by Mrs C Pask Matthews
Hon Producer - Mr. F G C Long
Hon sub producers - Miss U Dent, Mrs H Pick, Miss D Jackson, Mr S Bingham,
Major C W Bell
Hon Musical Director - Mr T F Johnson
Hon Wardrobe Mistress - Miss A Bell JP
Hon Business Manager Mr G Thomas

The verse spoken throughout the pageant has been specially written
by Mrs C Pask Mathews and is recited by the author.

Scene I: Hereward the Wake Outlawed 1040 AD.
Herluin enters from the right of the stage, and to him come the townfolk bringing their gifts of money and kind. As he sets out on his journey to Peterborough, Hereward and his companions will be seen indulging in horse-play amongst the trees on the left. The scene is not prolonged, but with the attack and robbery by Hereward and his band, is quickly brought to a close.

Scene II: Hereward makes amends and is Knighted, 1060 AD.
In or about the year 1060, Hereward, now an older man by 20 years, and realising the folly of his youthful action, seeks his uncle, Robert Brand, Abbot of Peterborough, and hands to Herluin (now Prior of Peterborough) a gold chain worth fifty times the value of the money he had stolen. From the girdles of two of the monks his uncle devises a new crest (the famous Wake Knot) and Hereward departs hence at peace with the Church.

Scene III: Death of Hereward 1071 AD.
Hereward is dead. To Bourne, out of retreat at Crowland Abbey, journeys his wife, Torfrida, to beg the body of her husband for decent christian burial in the cloistered calm of Crowland.

Scene IV: Founding of Bourne Abbey 1138 AD.
Although two churches had previously stood around this site, both had in turn been destroyed. In 1138, however, the third and present Abbey was commenced. It has been impossible to trace authentic details of the form of service actually used, the scene therefore follows the general form of consecration in Pre-Reformation times. The stone is anointed, first with oil and later with water, is censed and blessed, and the whole scene is played with rich and dignified ceremonial.

Scene V: Visit of King Edward III and Queen Philippa 1330 AD.
This scene brings a glimpse of the age of chivalry before our eyes; Edward III and Queen Philippa being received by the Abbot of Bourne and Sir Thomas Wake. The quiet grace and beauty of the scene must remain a pleasing memory in the minds of the audience long after the performance.

Scene VI: Robert Manning (Robert of Bourne) writes the Chronicle of
England 1338 AD.
Robert Manning wrote the Chronicle of England while Magister of the Abbey about 1338-40. This scene portrays the form of education given at that time, novices and townsboys each in their allotted portions of the cloisters receiving instruction from the monks. Manning finishes his great work and amidst rejoicing, the treasured book is carried into the Abbey.

Scene VII: Abbot of Bourne accepts the Act of Supremacy 1536 AD.
The year 1536 was a dark one for the church. By order of King Henry VIII all religious houses refusing to acknowledge the royal decree were closed, the inmates driven forth, and their valuable treasures confiscated. Faithful and gentle men of God bowed before the storm of ruthless King and Nobles, and went forth into the land, but ever with their faith and purpose undimmed.

Scene VIII: Visit of Queen Elizabeth 1580 AD.
William Cecil, Lord Burghley, was born in the town at what is now the Bull Hotel, then a private residence. In later years he rose to be one of England's greatest statesmen. Tradition says that on one of his visits to the town of his birth, he persuaded his sovereign to accompany him and honour the town with her presence.
Townsfolk assemble to greet the Queen, the children performing two dances for her pleasure. So well do they succeed that the royal visitor - whom history tells us was also a devotee of this art - leads her court in a further measure. (The dances here performed are amongst those dating back to this period.)

Scene IX: Finale
The Pageant is drawing to its close. The whole of the performers and the choir gradually assemble upon the stage. The beautiful colourings of the dresses set upon the tree-flanked arena makes a magnificent picture. The choir sings a Chorale, after which the whole of the performers and choir bring the Pageant to its close with the Pageant Hymn. The audience are requested to rise and join in singing this hymn, as follows:

Thy Kingdom come on bended knee
The passing ages pray;
And faithful souls have yearned to see
On earth that Kingdom day.
And lo, already on the hills
The flags of dawn appear;
Gird up your loins, ye prophet souls,
Proclaim the day is near.
The day in whose clear-shining light
All wrong shall stand revealed
When justice shall be throned in might,
And every hurt be healed.
When knowledge, hand in hand with peace,
Shall walk the earth abroad;-
The day of perfect righteousness,
The promised day of God.

The Epilogue.
The Blessing.
God Save the King.

NOTE: The programme is reproduced courtesy Jonathan Smith

The 800th anniversary of Bourne Abbey

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