Not far from the frantic and sprawling city of Southampton, in the tranquillity of a wooded valley, lie the picturesque ruins of this Cistercian abbey. Originally founded in 1239 with a colony of monks from Beaulieu Abbey, the monastery suffered from financial difficulties almost from the outset and, consequently, was always a poor house. Nevertheless, by the mid 13th century the rules, that had controlled the austere appearance of earlier foundations, had almost been abandoned and the church at Netley Abbey was built on a much grander scale.

Following the Dissolution, the nave and some of the domestic buildings of Netley Abbey were converted to a luxurious, Tudor mansion and became the home of the Marquess of Winchester. It remained as a private residence for nearly 300 years, until it passed to a local builder who intended to demolish and sell off the building material. Fortunately, for our heritage, a section of falling window tracery crushed him to death, and locals interpreted this as a 'sign' not to proceed with its destruction.

Apart from the north transept, the church walls survive to a good height, as do some of the claustral buildings. At the east end of the church, the huge window still retains much of its original tracery, and in the south transept there are some wonderful sections of rib-vaulting. From the cloister, it is possible to look into the surviving sacristy which contains a piscina and aumbrey, as well as some beautiful medieval tiles which have been re-set beneath the window. Although clearly identifiable as an abbey, Netley is a strange combination of medieval, monastic architecture and elaborate, residential Tudor styling.

On both occasions we have visited Netley Abbey, the site has been deserted: our first visit was on a pleasantly warm, June afternoon when we were able to enjoy an in-depth exploration of the site, despite a large area being partitioned off by the local Shakespeare society who were planning to stage a production the following week. As we lazed around on the grass in the sunny nave, we could visualise what a dramatic setting this would make for 'The Taming of the Shrew'.

Arriving at Netley Abbey on our last visit however, was a very different story. It was a windy, dreary day with a threateningly dark sky overhead. However, these wild and stormy conditions only enhanced the atmosphere and beauty of the site and, with the onset of torrential rain, all the prominent colours in the local sandstone took on a renewed lustre.