History
Lee Abbey London was founded in 1964 as a not-for-profit charity to provide suitable accommodation in a friendly atmosphere for students coming to London from all around the world. Over 40 years later the purpose is still the same.
The name Lee Abbey originally comes from a large country house and estate on the north coast of Devon in the south west of England. In that beautiful setting a group of Christians from within the Church of England (Anglican), founded a retreat centre where people could go for spiritual and physical refreshment. This work began in 1946 and still continues today.
Some of those involved in founding and leading Lee Abbey in Devon became acutely aware of the difficulties experienced by young people coming from overseas to study in London, many were forced to live in expensive and over crowded accommodation. One of the characteristics of the Christian faith is caring for others, including giving hospitality. This is the motive that led to the setting up of the Lee Abbey International Students’ Club in London in 1964.
