Of monks and nightingales
Sir: It is agreeable to say that Father Daly and Taki are both right up to a point about La Badia, near Orvieto (Letters, 27 July). The ancient Abbey of Ss Severn and Martirio (that is its full name) was called after two monks who lived c. 600; the Romanesque buildings, which include the
Letters may be sent by E-mail to: editor@spectatordemon.co.uk rather plain 11th-century church, were made by the Benedictine community. In 1220, however, after a confrontation with the bishop, the monks were expelled and the abbey was given to Premonstratensian canons, who came from France.
La Badia today is among the most expen- sive of Italian hotels, but two of its noctur- nal pleasures are free, namely the fireflies and nightingales. It is doubtful if Taki and his friends, noisily junketing in the under- croft to the abbot's lodging, would have noticed them.
John Kenworthy-Browne
12 Hollywood Road, London SW10
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