This College was first founded in 1852 to form older men, often convert clergymen, for Catholic priesthood. They came only for four years, because they were seen to have significant knowledge and experience already.

Today the character of the community has changed. Although the Beda remains the responsibility of the Bishops of England and Wales, it has opened its doors to receive men from English-speaking countries worldwide. However, the essential mission remains the same: to help older men harness and develop their experience and knowledge in the service of the Gospel as Catholic priests.

Welcome to this website. I hope you will enjoy discovering the work which we are privileged to have been given.

Sculpture of St Bede the Venerable

by Fenwick Lawson ARCA.

Carved from a 150-year-old Chestnut tree, which grew in the precincts of Durham Cathedral.
Presented to the College on 25 May 2001 by the Soane Family in memory of Fr Brendan Soane and Sr Philippa Crofton-Sleigh FMDM.
The statue stands in the entrance hall of the College.