Name: Netley Abbey
Rating: 5.0

Netley Abbey

Abbey Hill, Netley, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 5FB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Netley Abbey Standing close to Southampton Water, Netley is the most complete surviving abbey built by the Cistercian monks in southern England. Almost all the walls of its 13th century church still stand, together with many monastic buildings.

The buildings were converted into a fashionable Tudor house after the Suppression. Most traces of this house were removed in the 19th century, when Netley's ivy-clad remains, in their wooded setting, came to be celebrated as a perfect medieval ruin - and an inspiration for Romantic writers and poets.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Netley Abbey: Standing close to Southampton Water, Netley Abbey is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England. After the Suppression of the Monasteries the buildings were converted into a mansion for Sir William Paulet. The ruins now reflect over 800 years of change, during which the abbey was transformed from a monastic house to a mansion house, and later to a romantic ruin.
Monastic History: Peter des Roches, the powerful Bishop of Winchester, founded the abbey in 1238, but he died later that year before construction began. Work continued without him, and one year later a colony of monks arrived from nearby Beaulieu Abbey. King Henry III (r.1216–72) later became a patron of the monastery.
The monks probably lived in temporary wooden buildings while the stone abbey was being built. When complete, it was home to about 15 monks and 30 lay brothers, officials and servants.
From Abbey to Mansion House: Monastic life at Netley Abbey came to an abrupt end in 1536, when Henry VIII suppressed the lesser monasteries. This heralded a new phase for the abbey, however, when it was granted to Sir William Paulet as a reward for his loyal service to the king.
The Romance of Netley Abbey: Sir William Paulet’s mansion was occupied until 1704, when the owner sold it for building materials. The abbey was only saved when a demolition worker was killed, causing work to cease.
When this house was abandoned, however, and the neglected site became overgrown with trees and ivy, it came to be celebrated as a romantic ruin. As the ‘Romantic Movement’ grew in strength, many authors and artists visited the abbey to find inspiration. Set among the wild, wooded slopes above Southampton Water, overgrown Netley appeared to be the perfect medieval ruin.

Facilities

Parking: Free on site parking is available for between 10 and 12 cars. Please note that although these often fill up quickly during the summer months. Off site parking can be found nearby (adjacent to Abbey Hall recreation ground). Visitors will need to cross a busy main road to reach the site entrance. There is space for one or two minibuses at the site, however these are not allocated and there is no guarantee of availability during high season.
Food & Drinks: There are shops and places to eat in Netley village.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00.

Address: Abbey Hill, Netley, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 5FB, UK

Post Code: SO31 5FB

Council: Eastleigh

County: Hampshire

Road Access: In Netley; four miles south-east of Southampton, facing Southampton Water.
Bus Access: First service 6.
Train Access: Netley one mile.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Free on site parking is available for between 10 and 12 cars. Please note that although these often fill up quickly during the summer months. Off site parking can be found nearby (adjacent to Abbey Hall recreation ground). Visitors will need to cross a busy main road to reach the site entrance. There is space for one or two minibuses at the site, however these are not allocated and there is no guarantee of availability during high season.