Stanbrook Abbey. Press

Stanbrook Abbey is a cloistered order of Benedictine nuns founded in the 17th century. The order relocated to England following the upheavals of the French Revolution. In 1876 the Abbey began its printing operations, in part to restore the library's contents and enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of the nuns, but also to help supply other English Benedictine communities. In the 20th century, and in particular under the guidance of Dame Hildelith Cumming, printer for the Abbey from 1956-1991, the Abbey developed a reputation as a particularly fine private press. The press ceased operation around the same time as Dame Hildelith's death in 1991.

English private press.

The Press was founded in 1876 by Fr. Laurence Shepherd at Stanbrook Abbey, a house for Benedictine nuns. It supplied the printing needs of the English Benedictine Congregation and was assisted by figures in the English Private Press Movement. In 1955 the press was revived under the direction of Dame Hildelith Cumming.