 Netley Abbey
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. |
