2026: 800 year anniversary year
Remembering St Francis
Each year on 4th October, Christians and many others around the world celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi; the joyful friar whose life of simplicity, compassion, and kinship with all creation continues to inspire, eight centuries on. The Feast is a day to say thank you for this vision of hope – to remember that faith is about relationship: with God, with one another, and with the Earth itself.
Anniversary Celebration
In October 2026 we will mark 800 years since St Francis’s death – not as a moment of mourning, but of renewal. The anniversary invites us to walk again in his footsteps: to live simply, act justly, rebuild what is broken, and recognise Christ’s presence in every person and every part of creation.
Get involved!
We would love you to visit the Spirit of St Francis website: https://www.spiritoffrancis.com/ to find out about the Pilgrimages and events. The interactive Advent Calendar needs to be seen!
You can also download the On New Roads, 2026 Franciscan Peace Pilgrimage leaflet.
There is a Franciscan Lent Book for 2026 which you can order via Suzi at Hilfield called ‘Lent-Scapes; Landscapes of Penance, Peace and Reconciliation’, costing £10 plus postage and packing.
About Alnmouth Friary
Who are we?
We are members of the Society of Saint Francis, an Anglican Franciscan community. We live under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Home Page - Franciscans
‘The object of the First Order is to build up a body of men and women who, accepting Christ as their Lord and Master, will seek to follow him in the way of renunciation and sacrifice as an act of witness and for the loving service of his brothers and sisters in the world’
- SSF Principles: Day 2
Our Mission Statement
As followers of Jesus in the way of Francis, we hope:
- In prayer and service, to find God in each other and in all we meet:
- To hold all things in common, and as lesser brothers, to live as simply as possible:
- To share in the mission of Jesus to proclaim the good news of God's love:
- To be a means of reconciliation, striving for peace and justice for all creation.
Our Ministry
At Alnmouth friary the brothers welcome people from all walks of life, who come to the friary for a time of retreat and renewal. Alongside a life of prayer the Brothers undertake the day to day work of maintaining the friary. This involves dusting, sweeping and other menial tasks in the house and garden. There is also the administration work involved in the day to day running of the friary.
Our History
Alnmouth Friary, formally 'Lint Close' was built between 1902 and 1916 by the Scholefield family. In the early 1950s Lint Close was sold and became a night club, which was called 'The Lint Close Hotel.'
The Knott Trust bought Lint Close and the friary opened in 1961.
The word Friar means 'Brother' so a Friary is a place where Brothers live together. Since 1961 until today Franciscan Brothers have been living and praying together in this place.
Alnmouth Friary is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty
I spent only 3 full days at Alnmouth friary though it felt longer. So good to relax and reflect…
Visitor feedback
First Order Brothers
The Rule of Life
We, as Brothers, together commit ourselves to a Rule of Life as a detailed expression of how we intend to pursue our calling as Franciscans. It acts as a framework for our life of prayer, sacred study and works by which we seek to serve our Lord and Master. We welcome the challenge of the Rule as a means by which we may be more fully converted by God, acting in harmony with God's will, and enabled to live with integrity as members of the worldwide Franciscan family.
Living the Gospel
In a spirit of humility, love and joy we pledge ourselves to follow the teaching and footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ and to observe the Holy Gospel according to the example of Saint Francis. May the Lord fill us with gladness in keeping this Rule, our Way of Life, that we may give thanks to God for ever.
The Wider Family of Anglican Franciscans
The Companions of SSF
The Companions of SSF
The Companions of SSF
The Companions of the Society of Saint Francis are men and women who, in the course of their Christian journey, have met or heard of the Sisters and Brothers, and have a desire to accompany them in the way of Christian commitment.
You can be received as a Companion at the friary. Email: companions@franciscans.org.uk
Visit the Companions Facebook page:
The Third Order
The Companions of SSF
The Companions of SSF
Francis himself founded the Third Order for people ‘living in their own homes’ (Francis’ words), as opposed to living in a friary or convent, who wished to live according to a Franciscan Rule of Life, without becoming members of the First Order.
Home - European Province of the TSSF : European Province of the TSSF
Freeland Convent
The Companions of SSF
Freeland Convent
The Community of Saint Clare is a contemplative community of women within the Anglican Franciscan family
Community of St Clare, Freeland | An Anglican Contemplative Community | Page 2 (wordpress.com)
Loving Father, we ask you to kindle in our hearts the fire of your love: that inspired by the example of Saint Francis we may be united in obedience to the life of the Gospel, and find our freedom in the service of your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord
Prayer used by the Brothers
Tea Time at 4.30pm everyday. Everyone is welcome!
Every day at 4.30pm the brothers and guests meet for a cup of tea, biscuits and a chat. This is an open invite. Visitors to Alnmouth village often pop by to say 'hello'. The tea time is a nice space for guests and brothers to talk about their day.
The Brothers
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Come and stay with us for prayer, retreat, study, a break away from usual routine, to share something of our Franciscan life together.
You can get a train to Alnmouth. We are a 23 minute walk away from the train station. There is a bus once an hour. Locals taxis are also available but you need to book in advance.
Alnmouth Friary
The Friary, Alnmouth, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3NJ
Telephone: 01665 830213 Email: alnmouthssf@franciscans.org.uk
Social Media Links
Community Facebook Page
Society of Saint Francis Youtube Channel
Society of Saint Francis Youtube Channel
Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the life of the friary. The Facebook group is for the Community and Society of Saint Francis
Society of Saint Francis Youtube Channel
Society of Saint Francis Youtube Channel
Society of Saint Francis Youtube Channel
The Brothers are based in several countries. Explore the Youtube channel to meet see what happens in the different friaries:
BBC Interview
2026 Pilgrimage
2026 Pilgrimage
Brother Benedict joined the Franciscan community in the 1970s and has told the BBC about his journey with the religious order.
"We don't live for ourselves, that's not the reason that we've been put on this earth," he said.
Alnmouth Friary Franciscan brother explains his purpose in life - BBC News
2026 Pilgrimage
2026 Pilgrimage
2026 Pilgrimage
Join our community of pilgrims and seekers on a journey of spiritual growth, self-reflection, and connection.
Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring stories, practical tips, and exclusive content.
One of the most beautiful places in England
Visitor feedback
