Belmont Abbey was founded in 1859 and until 1917 served as the common novitiate and house of studies for the EBC. At the same time Bishop Brown of Newport and Menevia, himself a monk of Downside, was given the church as his cathedral, and so had a monastic chapter. This arrangement as a cathedral priory lasted until 1920. In 1917 General Chapter declared Belmont an independent house and it was raised to the rank of Abbey by the bull Præclara Gesta in 1920.

The community undertakes numerous works including the pastoral care of the Catholics in Herefordshire while other monks work in parishes in west Cumbria and south Wales. In 1981 three monks began monastic life at Tambogrande in northern Peru at the invitation of the Archbishop of Piura. This is now the Priory of the Incarnation.

Hedley Lodge is the Abbey guesthouse where groups and individuals are welcomed for retreats, conferences and holiday breaks. An annual programme of retreats is arranged by the retreatmaster. The community has been involved in educational work for over seventy years: this continues with visiting school groups and local catechetical work.

Oblates of St Benedict
An association of Oblates of St Benedict has been properly established at Belmont Abbey. Membership is open to the faithful of either gender after reaching the age of 16, as well as to priests and clerics. Enquiries should be made to the Oblate Master.