Greyfriars

Each thumbnail links to a web-sized image, usually about 640x480. All images were taken at 720x480 or higher, so "Hi-Res" links will show some more detail, occasionally a lot more.

Not a Monastery...
...although once it was. Originally Greyfriars was a retreat and holiday spot (with no buildings) for Melbourne area Franciscans (or others?). It's also been a monastery and a boys school, and now it's a retreat center and can be hired for group lodgings even by such folks as MURP. At the summer 2001 unofficial camp we had the good fortune to speak briefly with a gentleman who had known the place as a monk 40 years ago, and learned a bit more about the history of the buildings.
	The reason for this particular visit to Greyfriars was the unofficial MURP summer camp. During most of the camp, we were at a game table playing Settlers of Catan (as Rob, Campbell, Charles, and Richard are doing, with Matt watching from the back right corner), Formula De, or RoboRally. We did also enjoy a very pleasant swim on Saturday afternoon.	Hi-Res
	From the side yard you can see Melbourne's central business district, about 45 km (27 miles) across the bay.	Hi-Res
	From the far corner of the side yard, Port Phillip Bay in the sunset. The bathing beach is more or less directly in front of and below us.	Hi-Res
	Looking back at the building itself from the same spot.	Hi-Res
	The front of the building, looking at the entrance to the chapel. Next to the chapel are two rooms, once parlours for meeting visitors but now converted to a small apartment.	Hi-Res
	The interior of the chapel.	Hi-Res
	There is a very nice courtyard between the oldest parts of the building (kitchen, dining room, former-chapel-now-lounge) and the arcade to the current chapel. To the left are two little rooms, now storage, once classrooms?	Hi-Res
	This is not quite a courtyard between the second lounge and the sleeping wing.	Hi-Res
	We think the dormitory-style hallway was used for students' bedrooms when there was a boys' school here.	Hi-Res