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
One library, on two sites (the Priory and the Institute) specialisng in religious life and contemplative spirituality, and comprising all the remaining books from various SSM houses, including Kelham, Quernmore, Willen and St Antony’s.
Archives
Recognising the need to preserve the legacy of Anglican religious life, we are engaging with religious communities, mapping the whereabout and contents of religious archives, and exploring ways of improving catalogues in order to create a comprehensive database of Anglican religious archives. We also have some religious archives on deposit at the Institute.
Research
Drawing together a network of scholars of religious life, monastic studies, church history and theology, we are building relationships with partner organisations, and 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 book launches.
Please note that these 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 in the picture above).
2025-26 Programme
Wednesday 22 October, 4.00-5.30pm
Sue Hope
‘Stations on the Way to Freedom’: Life in the Tertiary Order of the Holy Paraclete viewed through the lens of the poetry of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Wednesday 3 December, 4.00-5.30pm
Professor Mike Snape, Durham University
All in the Same Boat? Anglicans, Catholics and the Royal Navy in the Era of the First World War.
We intend to record all our speaker events, which will then be posted on our YouTube page here.