About Us
For nearly eight hundred years Ashburnham Place was the home of the Ashburnham family. In 1953 the last member of this family, Lady Catherine, died and the inheritance passed to a young clergyman, John Bickersteth. Seven years later he gave the house and the surrounding parkland to the Ashburnham Christian Trust. The purpose of the new Trust was to promote the study of the Bible and the training of people in the principles of the Christian faith. Much of the original house had to be pulled down and new facilities have been added. The Trust continues, under new leadership, to work towards the same goal - encouraging people to come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ and to live their lives in the service of God.
Over the last 50 years many people have found it to be a haven of peace, a place of blessing and an oasis in the busyness of life.
We welcome groups up to 2000, people attending events run by us, those wanting to pray as well as day groups enjoying pre-booked visits to the grounds and gardens with a cream tea or a meal.
We offer six well-equipped and beautiful conference rooms in the original house with all the ambience of a former stately home. These rooms can seat from 30 to 180 people and all are completely flexible in their layout.
There are over 290 beds available in single, twin, double and family rooms, of which 120 are in en-suite twin and family rooms. A variety of Dormitory, Budget, Standard and En-Suite accommodation is available to suit different budgets.
Since May 2008 the Trustees and the team of permanent staff and volunteers at Ashburnham Place are responding to a call from God to create a place of continuous led prayer. At the time of writing there are between 75 and 100 led prayer hours between Monday and Saturday. The pattern of prayer is varied in style and content and includes times of led worship and prayer as well as praying through the Bible. You can find the timetable here.
The centre is located in 220 acres of beautiful grounds landscaped by 'Capability' Brown, with three large lakes and much interesting wildlife; the area has been designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) by the Nature Conservancy Council. Four campsites are used in the summer months by church, family and youth groups. The grounds are not open to the public, but we do consider requests for visits from local interest groups. Visitors are always welcome to the Ashburnham Parish Church, which is located in the grounds.
Ashburnham is run by a permanent community of resident and non-resident staff, many of whom have a strong personal faith in Jesus Christ. They are supported by a team of young volunteer helpers who come from all over the world to improve their English and develop their faith as they serve God by serving his people.
Our Purpose Statement:
Ashburnham Place a Christian Prayer, Conference and Training Centre which exists to:
- encourage guests and staff to encounter the living God through the Bible, prayer, fellowship and the beauty of creation
- equip guests and staff to make a more passionate and effective impact for Christ on the local area and the world