Despite some concerns about the weather, 15 members gathered at Netley Abbey on Sat. 25th March. It was great to meet up with everyone, and there were lots of photo opportunities and time for coffee and cake at Wonderberry’s in Netley. Thanks to Mike & Maggie for organising another successful event.
The Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval Cistercian monasteries in the south of England. Founded in 1239 as a house for monks of the austere Cistercian order. During the Dissolution of the monasteries in 1536, the abbey buildings were granted to Sir William Paulet, a wealthy Tudor politician who started the process of turning the abbey into a palace suitable for one of the most influential politicians in England.
In 1704 it was decided to demolish the now unfashionable house in order to sell the materials. The abbey was subsequently abandoned and allowed to decay.
Today you will find the shell of the church, monastic buildings around the cloister, and the abbot’s house. Little of the post-Dissolution mansion remains. English Heritage maintains the site; access is free and well worth a visit.