Aidan and Hilda

What Aidan and Hilda does

The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No: 1055306) operating as a dispersed new monastic movement inspired by Celtic Christianity, founded in 1994 by Ray Simpson, Russ Parker, and Michael Mitton. The organization serves spiritual seekers and Christian disciples through a tiered membership pathway (Friend, Explorer, Voyager) anchored by the Ten Waymarks framework, soul-friendship practice, and rhythmic prayer. Its core products and services include two structured distance-learning courses (Igniting the Flame and Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality), two published books authored by community members, two YouTube channels, and two retreat accommodations on Holy Island of Lindisfarne (High Rigg House and Starbank Cottage) that include the Meeting Place prayer facility and Celtic Studies library. Technology is limited to commodity tools: ChurchSuite for member management, PayPal for donations, Booking-Directly.com for retreat reservations, and Zoom for online gatherings.

The community's business model is a hybrid of donations, retreat accommodation fees, course tuition, and book sales, with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure supplemented by a bursary fund to maintain access. Go-to-market is community- and event-led, relying on word-of-mouth, content marketing via blog and YouTube, the Annual Gathering and regional meetings, and direct email contact for each membership tier. The organization describes itself as a global movement with a stated worldwide reach, though primary infrastructure and physical properties are concentrated in the United Kingdom (Birmingham HQ, Holy Island, and Berwick-Upon-Tweed). Governance is overseen by a Board of Trustees, with a Caim Council setting plans and goals and Guardians guiding spiritual life. The organization employs six paid staff and operates without parent-company affiliation, proprietary technology platforms, or external funding rounds.

Name

Aidan and Hilda

Legal name

Community of Aidan and Hilda

Website

https://aidanandhilda.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a UK-registered charity (founded 1994) running a dispersed new monastic movement inspired by Celtic Christianity, serving spiritual seekers through tiered membership, distance-learning courses, books, YouTube content, and two retreat houses on Holy Island.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious and Spiritual Formation Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL)

Keywords

• Celtic christian spirituality
• Monastic retreat accommodation
• Spiritual formation courses
• New monastic community
• Contemplative holy island retreats

Headquarters

HQ city

Birmingham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Retreat Accommodation: The community operates retreat houses on Holy Island (High Rigg House, Starbank Cottage) available for booking. Prices are described as reasonable with bursary funding available for those who cannot afford standard rates.
2. Educational Courses: Distance learning courses such as 'Igniting the Flame' and 'Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality' are offered with personal tutor support and retreat opportunities.
3. Donations and Giving: The community accepts financial support through PayPal donations. They provide bursaries for events and retreats to support those who cannot afford participation.
4. Book Sales: Publications by community members including Ray Simpson's and Simon Reed's books on Celtic monasticism and discipleship are sold through the community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Community of Aidan and Hilda is a registered charity and new monastic community that delivers Celtic Christian spiritual formation through distance learning courses (Igniting the Flame, Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality), published books, YouTube content, and Holy Island retreat accommodation at High Rigg House and Starbank Cottage. The community operates a tiered membership pathway (Friends, Explorers, Voyagers) supported by annual gatherings, regional meetups, soul friendship practice, and a structured ten Waymarks framework.

Product overview

The Community of Aidan and Hilda offers a portfolio of spiritual formation resources centered around Celtic Christian tradition. Their offerings include two structured courses (Igniting the Flame and Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality), two published books (Followers of the Way and New Celtic Monasticism for Everyday People), and two YouTube channels (Community of Aidan & Hilda and Soul Friendship). Additionally, they provide retreat accommodations on Holy Island through High Rigg House and Starbank Cottage, which includes access to The Meeting Place prayer facility. The organization focuses on supporting individuals in developing a Way of Life through soul friendship, guided courses, and contemplative retreats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Igniting the Flame Course A foundation distance learning course in living by a Way of Life from the Community of Aidan and Hilda, providing personal support of a Tutor and Course Accompanier/Soul Friend, with two retreat opportunities. Based on Ray Simpson's book New Celtic Monasticism for Everyday People. Designed for individuals seeking structured Celtic Christian spiritual formation.
• Introduction to Celtic Christian Spirituality Course A self-study distance learning course with one-to-one access to the tutor, designed for people seeking to know God in a holistic way integrating intellectual, spiritual, and practical dimensions. Written by Ray Simpson and Peter Sharpe.
• Followers of the Way Book A book by Simon Reed exploring what discipleship means and how to help people become true disciples through connecting deeply with God and integrating faith with the whole of life.
• New Celtic Monasticism for Everyday People Book A book by Ray Simpson offering ancient roots for future routes in Christian spirituality, covering practical ways to embrace rhythms of prayer, learning, earth-care and healing. Revised edition includes resources and study material.
• High Rigg House Retreat Accommodation A spacious three-bedroomed retreat house with three shower rooms, large lounge, conservatory and kitchen diner on Holy Island, suitable for groups and families seeking a contemplative retreat setting.
• Starbank Cottage Retreat Accommodation A cosy one-bedroom apartment on Holy Island with full kitchen, lounge, attic bedroom and ensuite shower room. Contains the Meeting Place with Prayer Room and Celtic Studies library.
• Starbank Cottage Meeting Place Facility A communal space featuring a Prayer Room and Celtic Studies library, open to retreat guests. Hosts led prayers using Celtic liturgy at 12pm Monday to Friday, and 9pm Monday to Thursday.
• Community of Aidan & Hilda YouTube Channel Official YouTube channel featuring videos recorded in conversations or as part of the community's rhythm of gatherings, covering topics of holistic Christian spirituality and Celtic traditions.
• Soul Friendship YouTube Channel YouTube channel facilitated by Scott Brennan exploring spiritual formation, featuring conversations around Celtic spirituality and Way of Life with Ray Simpson.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55% of world's population lives in urban areas, projected to increase to 68% by 2050 - positioning Village of God concept as increasingly relevant

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Cairn MovementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of missional practitioners partnering with the Community of Aidan and Hilda to provide prayer rhythms and training in the Aidan Way of Mission. Scott Brennan is part of this movement which works alongside the community to advance new monastic mission.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Society of St John the Evangelist (SSJE): Anglican religious order offering retreats, spiritual direction, and educational formation. Comparable in retreat accommodation and formation programming for Christian seekers, with a more established monastic structure.
• Taizé Community: Large ecumenical monastic community in France known worldwide for contemplative worship and youth pilgrimage gatherings. Comparable in offering retreat/pilgrimage experiences and dispersed spiritual formation, though at much larger scale.
• Community of the Resurrection: Anglican religious community in Yorkshire offering retreats, quiet days, and formation programs. Comparable in providing retreat hospitality and spiritual formation courses for Christians, with longer monastic history.

Direct peers

• Iona Community: Scottish-based ecumenical Christian community rooted in Celtic heritage on Iona, operating retreats, courses, and a dispersed membership. Closest direct peer to the Community of Aidan and Hilda in mission, model, and Celtic spiritual formation offering.
• Northumbria Community: UK-based dispersed new monastic community inspired by Celtic/Northumbrian Christian tradition, offering prayer rhythms, retreats, and resources. Directly comparable membership and Way of Life model, similar small-staff charity structure.
• Scargill Movement: UK-based Christian community and retreat house in the Yorkshire Dales offering residential retreats, courses, and community life. Operates a similar retreat-house-plus-courses model with membership engagement for Christians.
• World Community for Christian Meditation: Global Christian meditation movement offering teaching, retreats, and dispersed meditation groups. Comparable in delivering contemplative Christian formation through courses, retreats, and a worldwide network of small groups.
• Wild Goose Resource Group (Iona): Publishing and resource arm of the Iona Community producing books, worship material, and Celtic-inspired Christian formation content. Directly comparable in publishing Celtic Christian content and supporting new monastic spiritual practice.

Regional players

• Spring Harvest: UK Christian conference and resource organization hosting teaching events, worship gatherings, and digital content. Comparable in producing Christian formation content, courses, and event-driven engagement for a dispersed UK audience.
• Lindisfarne Association: Educational and contemplative foundation inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels and holistic worldview, offering programs and gatherings. Shares Celtic/Lindisfarne heritage, retreat programming, and contemplative education with the subject.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@communityofaidanandhilda
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aidan-and-hilda

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aidan and Hilda