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 transrormed 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. One year later a colony of monks arrived from nearby Beaulieu Abbey. When the abbey was 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 many writers, painters and poets flocked to the site, drawing inspiration from the overgrown and romantic ruin.

Netley Abbey is owned by English Heritage

It is within easy reach of Hamble

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location map

gothic ghosts!

Opening Times:

1 Oct-20 Mar - 10am-3pm - Saturday & Sunday
6 Apr-30 Sep - 10am-6pm every day incl Bank Hols
Guided tour: Saturdays during August at 11 am
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan

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