The Herbert Kelly Institute for Anglican Religious Life
Since the mid-19th century Anglican religious life has flourished in many forms and made a rich, if somewhat hidden, contribution to the life of the Anglican Churches throughout the world. Although the membership of many communities may be declining within the Church of England, the religious life nevertheless represents a universal calling that continues to inspire people today.
Founded in 2025, the purpose of the Institute is to be a centre for all things related to Anglican religious life. This means not only working to ensure the preservation of the legacy of Anglican religious life, but also developing the resources that will help to inform its future, including resources for researchers, resources for religious communities, and resources for those exploring religious life and contemplative spirituality for more personal reasons.
Aims and Objectives
The work of the Institute comprises the following four strands: Library, Archives, Research and Publishing. More about each of these areas can be found below and on the appropriate pages of this website.
Library
We have an extensive theological library, spread across two sites (the Priory and the Institute), with specialisms in religious life and history, as well as related areas such as contemplative spirituality. The collection comprises the remaining books from various SSM houses, including Kelham, Quernmore, Willen and St Antony’s.
Archives
As well as holding a number of religious archives, we are also engaging with communities, mapping the whereabouts and contents of their archives and helping to improve catalogues, in order to build up a comprehensive database of Anglican religious archives.
Research
We are drawing together a network of scholars of religious life, monastic studies, church history and theology, in order to build relationships with partner organisations, as well as encouraging research and engagement by hosting seminars and conferences.
Publishing
The revived SSM Press will publish volumes relating to SSM, Herbert Kelly, Anglican religious life, and Christian spirituality, as well as other materials such as course handbooks and conference proceedings.
For enquiries about the Institute contact: scholastica.jacob@ssm.org.uk
Speaker Events
Including termly research seminars, hosted in partnership with the Michael Ramsey Centre for Anglican Studies at the University of Durham, as well as other one-off events, such as our ‘KTC Scholars’ programme.
Please note that seminars are now held in the Institute, at 72 Claypath, which is the building on the left at the bottom of the driveway leading up to the Priory (as seen in the picture above).
2026 Programme
Wednesday 28 January, 4.00-5.30pm
Fr Oleksandr Nosenko
The Logos Incarnate and symbol in Liturgical theology of Alexander Schmemann
Wednesday 4 March, 4.00-5.30pm
Revd Eleanor Rance, RAF Benevolent Fund
“We want you to do the ‘God bit’”: Articulating faith within the military community in the early 21st Century
Wednesday 11 March, 4.00-5.30pm
Revd Dr Sam Hole, Durham University
Let us thine endurance share: Lent and the wilderness in Anglican thought and preaching