Benedictine monks first colonized the site at Buckfast in AD 1018. The foundation was probably small and seems to have had a precarious existence especially in the years following the Norman Conquest. The foundation was either re-colonized or reinforced by monks from the Norman abbey of Savigny in 1136. Twelve years later, in 1148, Buckfast along with other houses dependent on Savigny, was affiliated to Citeaux.

After the suppression in 1539 of all religious houses in England Buckfast remained for some three hundred years a crumbling ruin. Monastic life at Buckfast was revived in 1882 when Benedictine monks of La Pierre-qui-Vire, exiled from France, made it their home. The knowledge that this was an old monastic site together with the discovery of the foundations, still in good condition, stimulated the desire to see the old abbey restored. The rebuilding of the monastery commenced in 1884 and work on the church was started in 1906 and went forward without a break until its completion in 1938. Since 1982, much of the original medieval outer court has now been restored, including a new west gate (1982), 12th century north gate incorporating a new restaurant (1991), 14th and 15th century guest hall (1992-1994) and 14th century south gate (1993).

Buckfast was raised to the dignity of an Abbey in 1902, and was affiliated to the English Congregation in 1960. Over the years the community has developed its facilities for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year. Accommodation is provided for men in the monastic guest house and for men and women in the restored Southgate building. The community has been involved with educational work since the return of the monks in 1882, at first with a parish school (from 1883), then a preparatory school for 27 years (until 1994) and since 1985 an educational service for visiting schools.

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