Please click on the thumbnails above to see how our labyrinth progressed

We have created a labyrinth of logs as part of our woodland field development. Labyrinths have been used for thousands of years and they also have a rich tradition in Christian history – the most famous labyrinth is probably that in the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Chartres, 50 miles from Paris, which was laid out on the floor of the nave in 1235.

Labyrinths are associated with contemplative prayer, viz. prayer of the body, not prayer expressed in words. The labyrinth should be walked in silence; as we walk the labyrinth it is not necessary to talk to God, we should just try to be present with God. Walking the labyrinth shouldn’t be rushed; we should walk slowly and contemplatively. The labyrinth also reflects life’s journey, full of twists and turns; there are points when we may appear to take the wrong direction, leading us away from the centre. But if we have faith and follow where the path leads we will, eventually, arrive at the centre. This requires trust on our part, even when it appears we aren’t getting anywhere! For unlike a maze, with its false paths and dead ends, a labyrinth has a single path that always leads to the centre. As the psalmist says, 'Lord, make me know your ways, Lord, teach me your paths; lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Saviour.' (Psalm 25: 4-5)

Our journey towards the centre of the labyrinth symbolises the soul’s journey towards God. Once we reach the centre we should pause for a while - how long is up to each individual. When we get outside the labyrinth we should turn to face it, giving thanks to God and acknowledging the end of our journey, perhaps by saying a short prayer.

In the centre of our labyrinth we have a rock, locally sourced from a nearby quarry. This rock represents God, our rock and our refuge, ‘For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.’ (Psalm 31:3).

So, please feel free to walk our labyrinth whenever you wish. It doesn’t matter if there are also other people using it at the same time. Please note that the gates leading into the Woodland Field where the labyrinth is located are shut at 6.00pm each day.

We have a listing on the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator on the Labyrinth Society's website - please go to

http://wwll.veriditas.labyrinthsociety.org/ and click on the link at the top of the page for the worldwide labyrinth locator. If you type our lady of england priory into the search box and hit the search button it will bring you to our listing.