Portsmouth Abbey Monastery was founded as a Benedictine house of the English Benedictine Congregation, under the jurisdiction of Downside Abbey, one of twelve abbeys in the Congregation, including three in the United States. Dom Leonard Sargent, an Anglican convert, acquired the ca. 1860 Hall Manor in 1918 with the vision of establishing a center for “contemplative, liturgical, and intellectual life.” His foundation emphasized the traditional Benedictine values outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict: prayer, manual labor, and hospitality in a setting renowned for its natural beauty.

The governance of the Monastery was transferred to Fort Augustus Abbey in Scotland in 1926, leading to the addition of a school. Dom Hugh Diman, a distinguished educator and convert to Catholicism, was founding Headmaster of the school. Prior to his conversion, Diman had founded Saint George’s School in Newport and a vocational school in Fall River, Massachusetts, eventually named Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in his honor.

Monks from Fort Augustus Abbey were instrumental in establishing Portsmouth Abbey, enabling the priory to become independent in 1949. Dom Wulstan Knowles, a monk of Fort Augustus was named the first prior of the community. Twenty years later, it was elevated to abbatial status under the leadership of Abbot Matthew Stark, becoming a fully American community. Many of the monks serve as teachers, administrators, and mentors, providing students with academic instruction and spiritual guidance. This close relationship between the monastery and the school creates a unique environment where students can grow in their faith while receiving a high-quality education.

The campus has expanded over the years to include 525 acres, with new buildings and facilities enhancing the educational experience. However, the core values of the Benedictine tradition remain central to the school’s mission. Students are encouraged to engage in community service, participate in religious activities, and develop a sense of responsibility and leadership.

Portsmouth Abbey Monastery and School also emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, both on land as well as in our neighboring Narragansett Bay. The monks and students are involved in various initiatives to promote sustainability and care for creation, reflecting the Benedictine respect for the natural world. From its humble beginnings in 1918 to its current status as a respected educational institution, the Abbey and School remain committed to fostering a community of faith, learning, and service. The monks’ dedication to prayer and work, combined with their commitment to education, creates a unique environment that continues to shape the lives of students and the broader community.