Netley Abbey is the most complete surviving Cistercian monastery in southern England.
The ruins 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.
Peter des Roches, the powerful bishop of Winchester, founded the abbey in 1238, but he died before construction began. Work continued without him, and one year later, a colony of monks arrived from nearby Beaulieu Abbey. King Henry III later became a patron of the monastery.
The monks probably lived in temporary wooden buildings while the stone abbey was built. When complete, it was home to about 15 monks and 30 lay brothers, officials and servants.
At the suppression of the monasteries in 1536, Henry VIII granted Netley to Sir William Paulet, who transformed the buildings into a great Tudor courtyard house.
Even when this house was abandoned in the 18th century, the abbey continued to be celebrated. Many writers, painters and poets flocked to the site, drawing inspiration from the overgrown and romantic ruin.
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
