Skip to main content

IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

Inquiry publishes report into Ampleforth and Downside

9 August 2018

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has today (9 August) published its report into the Ampleforth and Downside hearings, as part of its investigation into the Roman Catholic Church.

The report highlights the evidence heard by the Inquiry of appalling sexual abuse inflicted  over decades on children as young as seven at Ampleforth and 11 at Downside.

It also concludes that there was a culture of acceptance of abusive behaviour and the prioritisation of monks and their reputations over the protection of children.

Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry, said:

“For decades Ampleforth and Downside tried to avoid giving any information about child sexual abuse to police and social services.  Instead, monks in both institutions were very often secretive, evasive and suspicious of anyone outside the English Benedictine Congregation.

“Safeguarding children was less important than the reputation of the Church and the wellbeing of the abusive monks.  Even after new procedures were introduced in 2001, when monks gave the appearance of co-operation and trust, their approach could be summarised as a ‘tell them nothing’ attitude.”

Back to top