|
It is a most delightful and picturesque place. There is a calming atmosphere to be found there.
Ideal for finding solitude or family visits and picknicing.
Netley Abbey
Founded by King Henry III in, A.D. 1239, and the style of the building is quite in accordance with that of this period. Henry placed on the foundation a few Cistercian monks, brought from the Abbey of Beaulieu, in the New Forest. Little was known of Netley for the first three hundred years. The Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536. In 1537 Netley was granted by the King to Sir William Paulet.
The Abbey then passed to Edward Seymour, Earl of Hartford. Queen Elizabeth visited Seymour at the Abbey in August 1560. At the end of the 17th century it passed through the ownership of; the Earl of Huntingdon, Sir Bartlett Lucy and then to a Mr Taylor. A local builder of Southampton, he was killed by a falling stone at the Abbey. In September 1844 it was recorded that the Abbey had become a complete ruin.
English Heritage
Netley Abbey is managed by English Heritage. ‘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.’
The Abbey Ghosts
Grey Ladies and Blind Peter
On Halloween three misty women appear and walk along the ruins walls. The sounds of bells can also be heard on this night. Another presence, Blind Peter, is less choosey on the date on which he appears, and wanders around the ruins of the abbey. There is a legend that a secret underground passage was sealed after the last man to enter it emerged shortly after, screaming 'block it up!' before dropping dead - the passage may be connected to the tales of treasure buried on site.
Tourist Attraction
In the 1800s Netley Abbey became a popular attraction for tourists, who took the ferry from Southampton, to wander through the ruins. Postcards of the Abbey were available to send home to family and friends. One famous visitor was the writer, Jane Austen. Artists such as Joseph Turner and John Constable and writers including Jane Austen have all been inspired by Netley Abbey.
The Abbey Today
It is still a popular tourist attraction and regularly provides the backdrop to Shakespeare’s plays; and wedding photography. Each year on St. George's Day, the Abbey hosts a parade and service within the grounds, for local guides and scouts. There is also a Mass celebrated annually in honour of the Feast of the Assumption of Our lady.
The Abbey Plays
Plays previously performed at Netley Abbey by the Dolce Vita Theatre Company include; Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night and Canterbury Tales.
|
