The Ashburnham Christian Trust
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.
The Trust runs Ashburnham Place as a conference centre which can cater for up to 200 guests. There are six conference rooms, three dining rooms, a games room and a well-stocked bookshop. Every week of the year the centre is alive with Christians from a wide variety of backgrounds and denominations, who come to study the Bible, praise and worship God, and to pray. Midweek conferences are run for those wanting to rest, relax and pray in the peaceful and beautiful environment of Ashburnham Place.
Around the old stable courtyard a prayer centre has been established, where Christians can come to pray about matters affecting their own lives and situations, plus wider national and international issues. There is accommodation for individuals or small groups to come away for a few days to pray and rest in the peaceful surroundings, and the prayer centre is often used by day groups for prayer retreats, as well as the Hour of Prayer, when local Christians come together to pray for both local and international prayer needs.
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 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, except on designated Open Days, 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 Mission Statement
The Ashburnham Christian Trust exists to advance the kingdom on our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by
- Serving the churches
- Praying for the nations
- Training young people