Downside Abbey is excited to welcome author Bernard Lewis for a talk about the subject of his latest book, Wales’ Unknown Hero: Soldier, Spy, Monk on Wednesday, 20th October at 11 am.

The talk will focus on the extraordinary life of Dom Joseph Coombe-Tennant, monk of Downside, and guests will also be able to buy a copy of the new book signed by the author.

Dom Joseph, before becoming a monk, served with the Welsh Guards during the Second World War and was captured at Calais in 1940. He escaped from a POW camp and returned to Britain where he joined SOE (Special Operations Executive) and parachuted into France to help train the French Resistance. After the war he joined MI6, working in the Baghdad office before one day deciding to return home. Upon doing so he became a monk of Downside and for many years, he was parish priest of Radstock and also taught in the school. Many of his former parishioners will no doubt have no idea of the early life of their former priest!

This fascinating look at his life through an extensive collection of photographs will go into more detail about his experiences and is not to be missed!

Tickets are available for both an in person event and live stream via Zoom. To attend in person, email: Steve Parsons at: [email protected] and Zoom bookings: www.downside abbey.co.uk/shop/events

Donations are welcomed and books will be available for purchase on the day for £11.